National Polka Festival
Ennis, Texas

When: The festival is held annually on Memorial Day weekend. [check this year's dates]

Where: Events are scheduled throughout the town of Ennis, including the Knights of Columbus hall, the K.J.T. Hall, the Sokol Activity Center and Main Street.

The hearts of Ennis residents beat in 2/4 time-- the rhythm of a musical style alive with memories of Eastern Europe. Every Memorial Day weekend, the sounds of polka permeates the air as a crowd over 50,000 strong gather for a celebration of Czech culture.

Polka Dot the Chicken, a mascot for the three-day event, waves to children lined up on the sidewalk as an array of festive floats, clowns, and marching bands promenade down the widest Main street in the country during an opening day parade that's a showcase for small town Texas pride.

Dancing: Hop a free shuttle to one of three air-conditioned dancing domains. At the K.J.T.Hall, the oompah sound reigns over the stomp of feet on the 3,500 square foot hardwood dance floor and the clink of glasses as friends end their toasts with "Na zdravi!" (Cheers!").

The shuttle also takes visitors to the Knights of Columbus Hall and the Sokol Activity Center, where a museum displays authentic Czech costumes which mirror the dresses on the women whose skirts twirl as their feet move in the step, half-step, step, hold pattern on the center's dance floor.

Competitions: While the "Beer Barrel Polka" echoes inside the Katolicka Jednota Texaska hall, outside the clang of iron rings out as contestants take aim during the horseshoefest tournament.

If your feet can still move after a day on the dance floor, sign up for the 5K or 10K Polka Run, which winds through the scenic streets of Ennis. For the less athletically-inclined, there's also a one mile fun run/walk.

For more information:

• visit www.nationalpolkafestival.com