Wisconsin seems to have a pretty good sense of humor about its clichés. Beer? Brats? Cheese? Bring it on.
And if we’re making a list, let’s add polka!
A question came in from Josie, an elementary school student in Mineral Point, who asked, “How did the polka become a dance and a tradition?” So WPR’s WHYsconsin followed up with her and answered her question.

How did polka become a dance and tradition? You betcha we have an answer!

Wisconsin Life celebrates the people, places, history and culture of the state. Come with us as we kayak the Mississippi River, interview musicians in Milwaukee, and bake pasties in Rhinelander. We connect you with diverse people and ideas through short stories updated twice a week.

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Circus fans from across the country came to Baraboo recently for the 65th Big Top Parade, formerly known as the Great Circus Parade. Spectators witnessed historic wagons, a calliope pulled by miniature horses, and clowns riding in a convertible. WPR’s Robert D’Andrea caught up with some of the circus fans along the parade route.

The circus, clowns and calliopes: A day at Baraboo’s Big Top Parade

Ana Torres came to Baraboo as a teenager and fell in love with the city. Now she owns Las Milpas, a restaurant and Latino grocery store. As Wisconsin Life’s Maria Brunetta tells us, it’s more than a business…Torres strives to make it a place that strengthens the community.

From Peru to Wisconsin: How Ana Torres of Las Milpas built community in Baraboo

Harry Whitehorse of Monona, Wisconsin was a prolific artist who painted and created mixed media and wood sculptures for almost 90 years. That’s why a new festival, the Harry Whitehorse International Wood Sculpture Festival, is named in his honor.

Artist Harry Whitehorse honored with new wood sculpture festival in Monona

Home means different things to different people. Home can be the house you grew up in, a quiet spot in the woods, or right beside your favorite person.
For Mai Lo Lee of Appleton, defining her home is complicated. She shares her story as part of the “Home Is Here” project, which amplifies the voices of the growing number of Black, Asian, Native American and Hispanic residents who call northeastern Wisconsin home. The project is part of the NEW News Lab – a local news collaboration in northeastern Wisconsin made up of six news organizations.

How did polka become a dance and tradition? You betcha we have an answer!

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