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The Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum is hosting two Christmas Open Houses in conjunction with the Texas Czech Heritage Cultural Center on Saturday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.The public is invited to bring in the holidays polka style with music and entertainment both days.
The Open Houses are based around Czech culture within the Czech Village of the La Grange Fairgrounds. The public is invited to attend either or both of the events.These open houses are celebrations igniting efforts for the beginning of the holiday season.
The PLCTM is located at 275 W. Fairgrounds Road within the La Grange Fairgrounds. Refreshments will be served throughout each day. The museum will provide a gathering place for long time friends re-uniting and remembering days gone by, and those wishing to know about polka music and dance. Each day will conclude at 3 p.m.
The main attraction begins on Saturday, Dec. 2 with Gene Hackemack kicking off the program at noon for your listening entertainment, enjoyment or dancing pleasure.
Born in Burton, Gene, fondly known as Squeezeman, is a 5th generation Texan who had to learn English in 1st grade. A Vietnam Veteran, he served two years with the Imperial Iranian Army Aviation Search & Rescue, he built & owned “Hackemack’s Hofbräuhaus” near New Ulm TX with his late wife, Barbara.
Gene & singing partner, Jason Keepers, received a plaque from NASA in July 1995 for “1st Polka in Space” for waking up the Space Shuttle Crew with the “BEER BARREL POLKA.” He traveled extensively to the Czech Republic as guest of Josef Vevoda, whose father composed that song. Gene retired from NASA 2006.
Gene and Nancy recently moved back to the Burton area, but continue to play with the “SEVEN DUTCHMEN” band from New Braunfels; and occasionally accompanies several other Polka Bands.
Willie and Joyce Bohuslav, Co-Founders of the museum, will be demonstrating outstanding Polka Dance moves.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, the main attraction begins at 11 p.m. with a book signing for author Lawrence Rominger’s newly published book, The Texas Toad. Rominger, a Pearland resident and music enthusiast, will also entertain attendees with with music by various bands and renditions of Polka music The book is for kids of ALL ages! The Texas Toad is a wild and and fun read! Filled with colorful and captivating artwork paced perfectly with clever rhymes. The Texas Toad is simply great storytelling for adults and children alike. You just have to be sure to keep a keen eye out for the hidden messages, wordplay, and artistic details.
There are surely some you will miss the first second, and third time around!
And … not to worry! The Texas Toad gets better and better every time you read it!
Attendees are invited to share blessings with those less fortunate; Museum officials will be accepting Toys, Non-Parishable Food Items or Monetary Donations for the Amen Food Pantry and The Fayette County Deputy Santa Program.
