Sunday afternoon was hopping in Holyrood, with Barefoot Becky & The Ivanhoe Dutchmen leading the crowd.

It is exciting for this small town to resume one of its famous pastimes.

Yet, as couples spun around the floor, few young faces were in the crowd.

Members of the Sunflower Polka Club polkaed and waltzed around the floor, but the number of dancers, compared to a decade or two ago, is down significantly.

In decades past, communities throughout Kansas had a polka club — or more than one. These days, only one remains. The Sunflower Polka Club of Hays is the last club standing.

Perhaps it’s nostalgia, but it’s sad to think that in another decade or so, polka dances will be only a distant memory — something people remember their grandparents talking about, but have no direct experience or exposure to.

In Ellsworth County, we’re lucky to have Wilson and the Czech Festival, as well as Holyrood and its history with polka dances at the American Legion.

We hope to see you at the next one!

Karen Bonar Publisher