Staff photo by Clay Schuldt The Leon Olsen Band played to a packed Turner Hall, Sunday afternoon. The Polka Party was attended by fans from 100 miles away.

NEW ULM — Despite the early winter weather, close to 200 polka enthusiasts attended KNUJ’s fall Polka Party at Turner Hall.

The Polka Party is a twice-a-year tradition. Jim Bartels said they sponsor a spring dance in April and a fall dance the Sunday before Thanksgiving. The Leon Olsen Band plays the fall dance each year.

“Leon Olsen has a good following,” he said. “We can expect 200 people to attend.”

Dancer from across the state came to New Ulm to cut a rug. Visitors from Hutchinson, St. Cloud and Fairmont took to the dance floor.

John Kalla and Shirley Larson traveled over 80 miles from St. Joseph to attend the dance. Kalla and Larson have been following the Leon Olsen Band for 20 years.

“We go wherever they play,” Kalla said. They even have matching shirts identifying them as the Leon Olsen Dancers.

The Polka King and Queen of Le Center, Darrell Stier and Barb Siemieniewski, even attended the show.

The next Polka Party is scheduled for April 14, 2019.