Summer family reunions often center on outdoor activities, and the recent 12th annual Festival of the Lakes Polka Party at the Hammond Marina served that purpose for many attendees.
“We never miss this,” said Kay Zelinski of Calumet City, Ill., as she headed toward the dance floor set up on the marina pavilion. “We have about a dozen relatives here today — from all over different states. It’s our yearly get-together.”
Her family members ranged in age from 10 to 85, she said, and, “At one time or another this afternoon, each one will be on that dance floor.”
Live music was provided by Tony Blazonczyk’s New Phaze band, and Cavalier Inn of North Hammond dished up traditional Polish favorites such as pierogi, stuffed cabbage, sauerkraut and noodles.
“Where else can you hear real Polish music and get real Polish food?” said Lou Harris from Hammond. “This is my first time here (at the Polka Party), but the marina is beautiful, conversation is great and I’m even running into people I haven’t seen in quite a while.”
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That sentiment echoed throughout the crowd during the party, which was reminiscent of a big, happy wedding, according to a member of one of the families attending the event.
“In the old days, you always had polka songs at your wedding, even if you weren’t Polish,” laughed Thomas Graski of Calumet City. “None of this disc jockey stuff. The bands were live and you could tell them what to play.”
Despite the afternoon heat, hundreds of attendees kept cool under umbrella tables and shade trees.
With such a large crowd, visitors spilled from the marina patio onto the grassy areas, both in front of the band and along the backdrop of the colorful boats moored at the docks.
Marsha Ruona of Bolingbrook, Ill., was in attendance with her brother, David Hildebranski, and her parents, Terry and Thomas Hildebranski, all of Hammond. They all put the Polka Party at the top of their summer schedules each year.
While Terry was selling raffle tickets to the crowd, the rest of the family took respite from the heat as they relaxed in their lawn chairs on a shady area near the marina’s docks.
“I love what the city has done here. The marina is beautiful,” said Ruona, who grew up in North Hammond and regularly visits the area. “The Wolf Lake Pavilion, the golf course and other improvements throughout the city are amazing.”
Diane Kaye-Lackowski of Michigan City, whose husband, C.J., plays trumpet with the band, was visiting the area and also found the atmosphere along the marina the perfect place for the dance event.
Along with her children Audrey, 8, and Nolan, 9, they took advantage of the opportunity for a walk along the fishing pier and splash in the water at the nearby beach for the marina boaters.
And the continuous polka music playing was a happy testament to her family’s nationality, she said.
“It’s important that we try and keep the kids up with their Polish heritage,” she said. “Events like today help us to do this.”
Sue Ellen Ross is freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.