By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The large yellow tent and wood dance floor will take shape near the water tower in Ottertail this week. The Ottertail Lions Club will host several hundred people from across the upper Midwest for the annual Polka Daze celebration.

Five bands will perform over three days beginning on Thursday with Eric’s Dance Band. Thursday’s performance will be from 6-10 p.m. and admission will be for $7.

The event will pick up on Friday with the Leon Olsen Band with one hour sets beginning at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Nate Frederickson Band will play at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

On Saturday the Jerry’s Dance Band will perform one hour sets at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., while George’s Concertina Band will perform at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. 

Marv Monson, who hashelped to organize the event, said about 100 people attend on the opening night, pulling across the country. The event really picks up steam on Friday as dancers from across Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Iowa and beyond converge on the big yellow tent and wood dance floor in Ottertail. 

“On Friday and Saturday we get roughly 250 people each day,” said Monson. “It makes the world go away for these people for a couple of days.”

Admission to Friday’s and Saturday’s events will be $16 per day. Polka Daze is held near the water tower in Ottertail.