45th annual Pulaski Polka Days begins Thursday. Here's what you need to know

PULASKI-- The 45th annual Pulaski Polka Days festival begins Thursday with musicians, vendors and visitors traveling from across the country to perform and participate.

What was originally a one-day festival, has evolved into a four-day celebration complete with music, fireworks and a parade. Last year, Polka Days attracted over 32,000 visitors, and if the weather is good, similar attendance rates are expected this year, according to Harold Otto, Pulaski Polka Days organizer.

What to know about Pulaski Polka Days

• Pulaski Polka Days will be held from Thursday to Sunday at the Pulaski Polka Days Grounds, 429 E. Pulaski St.
• Admission prices vary per day and all admission tickets are available at the gates; tickets are not sold online. Admission to Polka Days is free on Sunday.
• A fireworks show will kick off the start of Pulaski Polka Days on Thursday night at dusk.
• The Polka Days Parade steps off at 11 a.m. Sunday. The parade starts at the Pulaski Community Middle School and travels north on South St. Augustine Street and then east on East Pulaski Street to the polka grounds.
• Over 28 bands will perform each day of the four-day festival.

Pulaski Polka Day schedule of events

In addition to the music, food and souvenir vendors, the Polka Days festival will include several other events each day for visitors to enjoy. The festival events and each day's price of admission are listed below.

Thursday

• Gates open at 4 p.m. with a $5 admission.
• Miss Pulaski Polka Days pageant begins in the evening.
• Fireworks at dusk.

Friday

• Gates open at 1 p.m. with a $20 admission.
• Polka dance lessons will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday

• Gates open at 11 a.m. with a $20 admission.
• Arts and crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Second annual garden walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Polka dance lessons from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Sunday

• Gates open at 8 a.m. and admission is free.
• Pancake and porkie breakfast from 8-11 a.m.
• New Life Community Church worship service at 8 a.m.
• Catholic Polka Mass at 9:30 a.m.
• Arts and crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Pulaski Polka Days Parade lineup at 10:30 a.m. at the Pulaski Community Middle School and the Pulaski High School on South St. Augustine Street.
• Polka Days Parade begins at 11 a.m.

Alyssa N. Salcedo is a reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. She can be reached at asalcedo@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: 45th annual Pulaski Polka Days begins Thursday. Here's what you need to know