http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/1...fd424389028.txtQUOTE
Perfect Day For Polka
Polka fans Mike Olling and Michalene Korosa dance to a tune played by Eddie Korosa Jr. and The Boys from Illinois. Photo by Tim Moran
Band among big draws at Oktoberfest
By Tim Moran
Staff Writer
Published: Sunday, October 9, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — Beautiful weather, delicious homemade German food and imported beer made the first day of Michigan City’s 2011 Oktoberfest at Michigan City Senior Center a jovial one for the hundreds in attendance.
But what most were on hand for Saturday afternoon was the polka music, and Eddie Korosa Jr. and his band, The Boys from Illinois, were able to provide that to a polka-enthusiast crowd.
“Eddie’s music is the best,” said Chicagoan Maryann Busch, who said she visits Michigan City for every Oktoberfest and Labor Dayz when the popular Illinois band plays in Washington Park.
“I love Michigan City,” she said. “I come here for Eddie every time.”
*
Busch was one of many visitors donning “Polka Time” T-shirts and dancing to every old feel-good tune the band played.
“I used to sing polka all the time growing up,” La Porte resident Gloria Thode said. “When I pulled up today and heard the music, I thought it was pretty good and decided to stay. Some of these (songs) I haven’t heard since I was very young.”
The band was popular with the crowd, even offering a family from Germany living in Michigan City a chance to play with the band.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Erika Janowicz, who appeared with her sister, Angieka Vogel, and brother-in-law, Jeff Vogel, on the accordions.
Theresa Kalinowski, another longtime Eddie Korosa Jr. fan, moved to Michigan City from Illinois a few years ago.
“It’s the best time of the year,” she said. “Since moving here, I come to Oktoberfest all the time.”
This year’s Oktoberfest was a bit different from previous years, not because of the heritage celebration or entertainment, but the weather.
Saturday’s forecast included a light blue sky, temperatures in the lower 70s and sun.
“It’s beautiful weather,” said Lester Busch, a Senior Center member on hand to enjoy the summer-like day. “I remember when we had to have the heaters turned up for this event because it was so cold.”
Beth Slater, a South Bend resident spending the day in Michigan City, also felt “blessed” by the warm day.
“It is a perfect day,” she said, “and the music is great, too. The Senior Center is really terrific.”
Food was served inside the Senior Center for the fourth year in a row by head chef Steve Alt, who Michigan City residents may have had a hard time recognizing without his Michigan City police uniform. While Alt isn’t fighting crime as a corporal for the MCPD, he says one of his favorite hobbies is cooking.
“I love it,” he said. “I grew up in a German family, so I only know German cooking.”
His specialties Saturday included a beef goulash recipe that delighted the crowd, as well as a tasty homemade potato salad.
“I look forward to this every year,” Alt said.
Other offerings included a bar with alcoholic drinks and stagged by Michigan City Exchange Club members.
Summer Festival chairman Joe Doyle said people from all over the Midwest came in to enjoy the day in Michigan City.
The Suriano family from near the Indiana-Illinois border had three generations present to enjoy the fun.
“I could listen to polka music all day, and you can’t beat the food,” said the Suriano grandfather.
“We keep seeing more and more people come here from all over to have a good time and enjoy it,” Doyle said. “I wish more Michigan City people would take advantage of this.”
If You Go
Oktoberfest continues from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Michigan City Senior Center.