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Ennis street scene during National Polka Festival
Ennis street scene during National Polka Festival

Ennis National Polka Festival

A celebration of Czech heritage, including religious customs, folk dances, tastes, sights, and sounds to create "a little bit of Czechoslovakia" on the streets of historic downtown Ennis. Ennis and the surrounding area make up one of the largest Czechoslovakian settlements in Texas. Eight polka bands provide dance music in four locations in the town. Lending interest and excitement to the festival are a giant parade, street dances, "fun runs," gymnastics exhibitions, an arts and crafts fair and delicious Czech foods, such as klobase and kolaches. Traditionally held on a weekend in May, the first festival was held in 1966. The festival draws more than 50,000 attendees. Documenting the project are brochures on Ennis and the National Polka Festival, a program, newspaper coverage, and three audio cassettes of Czech music.

Originally submitted by: Martin Frost, Representative (24th District).



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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

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