Polka June 1-3 in Johnstown

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - The weather may be iffy at this time of year, but organizers of the Friendly City PolkaFest are guaranteeing a hot time when this year's festival rolls around.

The party will be anchored in the Cambria City section of Johnstown from June 1-3.

Bands will provide nonstop polka music at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church pavilion, 5th and Power streets, and at Ace's, 316 Chestnut St.

"Of the 19 bands scheduled to perform, all but four are known nationwide in polka circles," said William "Polish Bill" Marano, who is working with the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote the event.

In 1999, the crowd at PolkaFest was estimated to be 1,500. An estimated at 7,000 braved three days of rain in 2006.

"With nice weather, we expect to draw 10,000 participants," Marano said. "We are finally seeing the growth we envisioned for the festival." *