Havana Polka Pace Race
Havana Celebrates Its 25th Annual Polka Pace Race
5K-3.1 Mile Run Or Walk Through The Streets Of Havana, IL On September 8, 2007
For the past 25 years, on the Saturday after Labor Day, runners have gathered in Havana, IL for the Polka Pace Race, which has become the most prominent race in Mason and nearby counties. The Polka Pace Race, which was started by Doug Koke in 1983, is a part of the Havana Oktoberfest, held September 7 and 8 this year. In 2002 George Caton, Havana High School band director and cross country coach, became the race director. This year, Mason District Hospital will be assuming leadership.
The 5K race includes a scenic run by the picturesque Illinois River, a pleasant jaunt through residential surroundings, and a final stretch down one of Havana’s most quaint brick streets through a finish line rainbow of colorful balloons. All runners/walkers are guaranteed a T-shirt if they register before September 5. With 14 age groups: both male and female, and two classes of runners: local and overall, and trophies given for winners in each age group, this is an excellent race for beginning runners and a challenging race for those hoping to improve their times. There have been up to 400 entries in the past.
The Starting Gun Will Be Set To Go Off At 8 A.M. On Saturday, September 8
To register, see accompanying entry form. For more information, contact Rita Potter at r-potter@masondistricthospital.org or 309-543-8100.
In addition to the Polka Pace Race, the Oktoberfest weekend will be filled with traditional activities including the annual Friday night Volks March parade at 6 p.m., the Bob Doszack and Eddie Korosa, Jr. Bands (Polka), other bands including Madd Hoss Jackson, City Limits, and the Muddy River Brass Band (See band schedule below); Mason District Hospital’s famous cakewalk, arts and crafts booths, Big M Amusements carnival, and a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. And, of course, all the traditional foods will be available: bratwurst, sauerkraut, pork chop sandwiches, fish, baked potatoes, beer, wine, and other tasty treats such as kettle corn, funnel cakes, and lemon shake-ups. New this year will be home-made ice cream and homemade jerky. In addition, fried livers and gizzards, pulled pork sandwiches, fried candy bars, and curly fries should be available.
Nearby activities include boatin’ and/or fishin’ on the Illinois River, Dickson Mounds museum with its world-class collection of Mississippian Indian relics and regional/local history, Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, Havana Public Library and the historic Havana Water Tower which are on the National Register of Historical Places, the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery, the Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon habitat restoration project, and many restored historic homes.
- Band Schedule
- Friday, Sept 7
- 7-8 p.m. Muddy River Brass Band
- 8-11:30 p.m. Madd Hoss Jackson
- Saturday, Sept 8
- 12-3 p.m. Bob Doszak Band
- 3:30-7:30 p.m. Eddie Korosa, Jr. Band
- 8 p.m-midnight City Limits
For more information, see www.scenichavana.com or www.havana.lib.il.us
