Cedar is gearing up for the 42nd Annual Polka Festival Aug. 22-25, celebrating four days of Polish tradition in the heart of Leelanau County.
“We are feeling pretty good at the moment, everything’s coming together. Infrastructure is all there,” Cedar Polka Fest Director Lisa Rosi-Brett said. “We had a lot of hiccups early ... Four days of shifting and moving and making it happen.”
The polish party kicked off yesterday with a mixer for volunteers.
Cedar Polka Fest is still looking for a few more volunteers.
Rosi-Brett is excited for all events during the jam-packed weekend including the inaugural Ultimate Air Dog and Pooch Pageant on Saturday and Sunday.
Over 20,000 gallons of water will fill a temporary pool for the Ultimate Air Dogs competition.
Pool Side of Traverse City will bring 7,000 gallons twice, and Cedar Area Fires & rescue will bring the other 6,000 gallons needed.
There will be a box office located next to the front gate to purchase tickets the day of the event.
SCHEDULE: Thursday, Aug. 22
First Responder Appreciation Night sponsored by “Today’s Country Music” 103.5/93.5 WKLT for free admission of police, firefighter, EMS, and 911 dispatchers.
Gates open, 4 p.m. Flag raising & National Anthem, 4:30 p.m.
Live Polka Music, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23
Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Run 4 Kielbasa (4-mile run) “You Never Sausage A Race,” 8:30 a.m.
The Pierogi Fun Run (2-mile run), 8:40 a.m.
Pol-car Fest Classic Vehicle Show, 9 a.m. to noon Ultimate air Dogs – The premier dock jumping organization, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Polish Pooch Pageant – The most adorable display of Polish pride, 11 a.m. to noon.
Second Chance Mushers – Dog rescue organization that specializes in the rescue of northern breed dogs – dog interaction & sledding equipment demonstrations.
Gate opens, admission $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, noon Saturday, Aug. 24 Gates open early with early admission $5 until 4 p.m., $10 after 4 p.m., noon Ultimate Air Dogs – The premier Dock Jumping organization, noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
2024 Junior Royalty Presentation, 1:30 p.m.
Kids Day, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Live Music – Scottsville Clown Band, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Leelanau Sands Casino Veterans Appreciation night, 4 p.m.
Live Polka Music, 4 p.m. to midnight.
Sunday, Aug. 25
Catholic Mass with Spiritual Polka music by Larry and His Larks, 10 a.m.
Polka Fest Craft Fair & Farmers Market, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ultimate Air Dogs, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Gate Open, no admission fee “Free for all Sunday,” 11 a.m.
Cedar Polka Fest Corn Hole Tournament, noon Live Polka Music, noon to 5 p.m.
