Polka Fest 2026: The Ultimate Weekend of Music & Dancing!

The Moulton Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual Polka Fest happening this Saturday at the St. Joseph Social Center.

“This is the second year in a row that the Chamber is hosting the Polka Fest; however, Moulton used to have a yearly polka fest many many years ago,” Chamber President Anna Bartos said. “Various groups like the Chamber, Fire Department, and American Legion hosted the event together in a much larger capacity than what it is today with up to ten to 12 bands performing all day. I vaguely remember the event from my childhood, but I do know so many people talk fondly of the polka fests of the past and always with big smiles.”

Dance wristband for the event is only $10 for the whole festival. Children 12 and under get in free. The Polka Fest event will begin with a three-piece fried chicken plates-to-go meal from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

“Sides include delicious giblet rice made by our very own Moulton Mayor Mark Zimmerman as well as mixed veggies,” Bartos said. “Pre-sale tickets for the plates-to-go are $14 and can be purchased from any Chamber officer or director, fire department volunteer or police officer. Tickets are also at Crossroads Bank, SouthStar Bank and Hair by Nina. A limited number of tickets will also be available in the drive-thru line and for dine-in.”

In addition to a delicious meal, the Polka Fest will showcase three great polka bands: Chris Rybak, The Shiner Hobos, and The Czechaholics. Music will start at 10 a.m. and run through 7 p.m. with each band playing for three hours. 

“Of course, we will have plenty of cold beverages on hand for sale as well as sausage wraps and kolaches in the late afternoon,” Bartos said.

Last year, the Polka Fest drew in around 200-250 people throughout the day. Proceeds from this event will go toward the Fire Department building as well as the new and upcoming Police Department building. The Fire Department has also been working on their new building as well. 

“Polka Fest started last year, and we decided to host the Polka Fest last year as a way to raise money for our Volunteer Fire Department,” Bartos said. “The Chamber had not monetarily supported the fire department in a few years, so some officers and directors thought it was time to do something specific to help the department raise funds to finish out the fire station. All proceeds from last year went directly to the fire boys. Because of the tremendous success last year, the Chamber decided to host it again, with the idea of helping even more people, like our fire department and police department with proceeds benefitting new construction this year for both departments.”

Moulton Fire Chief Tim Koncaba said the new fire building is coming along. “The new building is coming along great,” Koncaba said. “It is 99% completed. We are just waiting on a few things for the offices including some curtains. So far, construction wise, pretty much everything is completed. The AC and heating are in. The kitchen is completed; however, we need kitchen appliances. Hopefully in the next month or so, we’ll probably have it ready for the public.”

The building has been five years in the making. Koncaba is hoping with additional raffles, and with the proceeds from Polka Fest, they will pay it off. 

The new Police Department building is still early in its creation, but things are happening. Police Chief Daniel Beyer said he received an updated drawing from the architect for it. “A lot of big things are happening with that, we are moving forward slowly, baby steps,” Beyer said. “I am waiting on grant money for it. I’m being told that the grant money is on the way. I have three bids right now. The medium bid I’m going to use is $800,000 to build it. It’s all about grants. As soon as I secure this grant, which I have, then I’m going to apply for the next grant. I’m pretty confident I’ll get that grant because we have the matching funds.”

The MPD will also be participating in the Polka Fest to make it a successful event.

Bartos said polka music is a staple in Moulton, and she hopes many will come out and have a good time. 

“Our fire and police departments are integral parts of our community,” Bartos said. “We can safely function day to day because of their selfless service to our community. This event, then, is a way to show both departments that we appreciate all they do for us, and it is a way we can help them raise funds to finish out the fire station and get a jump on the construction of the new police station. It’s just a drop in the bucket, but it is the very least we can do for all they do for us. Plus, the Polka Fest was such a fun event last year. So many people came together to enjoy the music that was and still is a huge part of Moulton and this area. There is no better way to spend a Sunday funday than with good music, good food and good friends. We encourage everyone to come out for a fun afternoon and help this worthy cause at the same time.”