1st Summit Bank PolkaFest 2024

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PolkaFest

Thunder in the Valley YouTube

Date: 
Friday, May 31, 2024 (All day) to Sunday, June 2, 2024 (All day)

PolkaFest was created in 1998 by “Polish Bill” Marano and his late wife Debbie, who pursued their dream of creating a world-class Polka festival in Johnstown.  The Maranos’ knew that Johnstown’s ethnic heritage would make it the perfect setting for the festival.  The Maranos’ partnered with the former Johnstown Business District Coalition to coordinate the festival in 1998 and 1999, which was held in multiple locations throughout downtown Johnstown.  

Visit Johnstown, in coordination with the Maranos, assumed the operation and promotion of the festival in 2000.  In 2001 the evening dances were moved to the Masonic Temple on Valley Pike, which was a perfect dancing venue with its large sprung wooden dance floor.  The Masonic Temple remained the festival’s home until 2006 when the festival moved to Cambria City and was staged at multiple locations.  In 2008, St. Mary’s became title sponsor and primary host site. PolkaFest features the country’s best bands, as well as local and regional favorites. The lineup regularly consists of bands and musicians who have been nominated for or who have won Grammy Awards.  Johnstown’s PolkaFest is one of only a few to combine Polish and Slovenian styles at one festival, alternating sets, a format that has proven to be successful over 23 years. PolkaFest has also featured other Polka styles including German, Country, and even Rock, and continues to attract a younger audience. 
 
PolkaFest’s daily admission is $5 Friday and Saturday, Sunday is Free. Minors accompanied by an adult are free.
 
PolkaFest is always the first weekend after Memorial Day. It attracts an estimated 10,000 people from multiple states and the region throughout the weekend, generating visitor spending throughout the community.
 
Sponsorship opportunities are available to area businesses and organizations. Contact Jayne Korenoski at 814-536-7993, ext. 102 for details, or email jaynek@visitjohnstownpa.com.  Visit Johnstown is also seeking ethnic food vendors and other vendors. Contact Nicole Waligora at 814-536-7993, ext. 104, or email nicolew@visitjohnstownpa.com.
 

Watch this performance of "Pennsyvlania Hills" by Polka Family Band from last year's PolkaFest!

 

 

Gate Opening Times:

Friday, May 31st - 4 PM ($5 Donation)

Saturday, June 1st - 12:30 PM ($5 Donation)

Sunday, June 2nd - 11 AM (FREE)

NO PETS are allowed inside Peoples Natural Gas Park

Special Guest Emcee Frank Powaski

Polka DJ, Frank Powaski, is our emcee for the 26th annual 1st Summit Bank Johnstown PolkaFest! Frank began his career promoting polkas in 1968 and has been providing some of the best Polish, Slovenian, and Eastern-style polka music to his listeners. He also hits the road during the summer months, doing live broadcasts of his radio show at local festivals. Frank's motto for his weekly program is “Put that hop in your step!”

1st Summit Bank Johnstown PolkaFest 2024 Band Schedule  

Friday, May 31st

5 PM - 6 PM - Johnstown Button box
6 PM - 7 PM - John Stevens Polka Band
7 PM - 8 PM - Polka Family Band
8 PM - 9 PM - John Stevens Polka Band
9 PM - 10 PM - Polka Family Band

Saturday, June 1st

1:30 PM - 3 PM - Rosie and the Jammers
3 PM - 4 PM - Don Wojtila Band with special guests The Wojtila brothers Joe, Michael, and Dan   
4 PM - 5 PM - Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
5 PM - 6 PM - Don Wojtila Band with special guests The Wojtila brothers Joe, Michael, and Dan      
6 PM - 7 PM - Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push
7 PM - 8 PM - The Garrett Tatano Band
8 PM - 9 PM - Polka Family Band
9 PM - 10 PM - The Garrett Tatano Band
10 PM - 11 PM - Polka Family Band

Sunday, June 2nd

12 PM - 1 PM - Polka Mass - Don Wojtila Band
1 PM - 2 PM -  Don Wojtila Band with special guests The Wojtila brothers Joe, Michael, and Dan
2 PM - 3 PM -  Polka Country Musicians
3 PM - 4 PM - Don Wojtila Band with special guests The Wojtila brothers Joe, Michael , and Dan
4 PM - 5 PM - Polka Country Musicians

Band Bios

Coming soon!

 

Parking Map

Handicap parking courtesy of Para-Coat Technologies!

 
Location: 
Peoples Natural Gas Park
90 Johns St.
Johnstown, PA 15901