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