He took her up on the offer.

They’ve been dancing together ever since at many places including the Kato Ballroom where the KEYC TV show began airing in 1960. Bandwagon is one of the longest running televised music programs in the world and continues to be broadcast.

“I taught him how to dance,” Schmitz said.

“It’s how I stay in shape,” said Haala.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Jan Schmitz, left, and Dave Haala of Sleepy Eye dance to The Wendinger Band music at Fasching at the Best Western Plus Saturday.

Haala and Schmitz were dancing to polka music at the Best Western Plus in New Ulm Saturday.

“We like polka dancing to local musicians at Turner Hall, Morgan and other places,” Haala said.

Haala and other Fasching attendees talked about going to the Pla Mor Ballroom in Glencoe on Sunday nights this winter.

Other polka music fans at the Best Western Plus included Lyly Huard of New Ulm.

“I grew up in Seattle. My parents, who are gone now, were German. I grew up listening to polka music in Seattle. I like German food and music,” she said.

Jackson Ahlness said he enjoys attending Oktoberfest and Bockfest in New Ulm and decided to come to Fasching.

Other Fasching participants included people from Redwood Falls, Fairmont, Buffalo and Stewart.

“I’ve been to Oktoberfest in New Ulm a few times and enjoyed it. Bavarian Blast at the fairgrounds too,” said Gary Baumgard of Vernon Center.

John Hopman of Redwood Falls said he came to Fasching to meet other friends and family from Mankato.

Duane Laffrenzen of New Ulm, also known as “Sepp” of The Narren talked about dancing to the Wendinger Band at the Best Western Plus Saturday afternoon.

“Our thought was to bring back Fasching with polka music and The Narren, We’ll ask for public input on what people want to see and do at the end of the dance,” said Laffrenzen.