LETTER: Let’s try to make Polka Festival work

Talk about it

To the Editor:

I’m sorry the decision was made to cancel the Mitchell Polka Festival. My wife and I have attended many years.

As a resident of South Dakota, I have always been proud of our traditions. Many of my hunting friends have commented on “Old Glory” flying at the courthouse in our small towns with the names of the men and women who have served our country,

On Sunday of the Polka Festival, they always honor the vets and at least 80 percent of the men have served their country. During the flag ceremony at the festival, I have been proud to carry the South Dakota flag. There is more to the Polka Festival than just dancing.

It is meeting old friends and making new ones, and the Palace board is canceling a 30-year tradition. Dancing in Gregory County has been a Saturday night tradition since the 1920s.

Somehow, let’s find a way to make this work, for the residents of Mitchell and of the 47 states that were represented last year.

Tags: opinion, updates, letters, polka, corn, palace