ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Downtown Escanaba is celebrating the Fourth of July with a unique event in Ludington Park.
On Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Escanaba Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will host its annual Patriotic Polka Party in the Park at the Karas Bandshell. It is one of the area’s newest traditions, with the inaugural event taking place in 2024.
“I personally love polka music,” said DDA Director Craig Woerpel. “You can ask my wife; it drives her nuts! The idea came from one of the board members who wanted polka music in the park around July 4, and this year it happens to be on the same day. It’s just an idea to bring something to the stage here and for people to have fun.”
Music will once again be provided by The Mix, a polka group based in Pulaski, Wisconsin. Attendees are encouraged to get up and move to the music during their performance.
“People were out there dancing and learning how to polka,” Woerpel said. “Someone said, ‘Why polka music? It’s not what you call at the top of the charts.’ Well, it is ethnic, and certainly this area in the U.P. has seen a lot of polka music. It still is being played around the area. It’s just a chance to have some fun with some fun music and maybe learn a little bit about their heritage as well.”
The Patriotic Polka Party in the Park will be followed by a City Band concert, and Ludington Park will be filled with food trucks throughout the day. It will all lead to a fireworks display at dusk.
If the weather does not cooperate, the Patriotic Polka Party in the Park will be moved to the Escanaba Marketplace, located at 1501 Ludington Street. The event is presented by the DDA and Kivioja & Van Effen, CPAs.
For more information, visit escanabadowntown.com or click here.
