Prince and Princess Randy and Kathy Cernosek
The new king and queen of the Polka Lovers Klub of America Texas Chapter, Russell and Barbie Loitz of Sugar Land, were crowned at the Klub’s January meeting in Sealy. Randy and Kathy Cernosek of La Porte will continue to serve as prince and princess. Both couples look forward to promoting the Klub and its mission to keep the polka tradition alive and well.
“We love the Klub’s goal in making sure our heritage and love of dancing is passed on to the next generation,” Barbie says.
“We like attending the dances, parades, church picnics and festivals,” Kathy says. “Representing the Klub brings recognition and new members to the organization when first of all they see the crowns and second ask about the red and white. The people start asking questions and some eventually become members and enjoy the organization as much as we do. Even if we were not royalty we would still do all the above.”
Both couples come from family tradition of polka. “Russ and I met on a dance floor and have been dancing for 34 years now. We both came from dancing families and grew up with the Pateks, Vrazels and Majeks,” Barbie says. “Our wedding song was Waltz Across Texas and we have covered quite a few good wood floors since then.”
Randy and Kathy have been together for 17 years, married for five. “We grew up with music in our families and Randy has played music since he was 5 years old on tin cans and wore out a coffee table,” Kathy says. “Today, he continues to play by ear the drums, base, piano and saxophone. My family always went to church picnics and Bill Mraz Dance Hall. When we got too tired, mom would put a pallet down for us on the floor under the table. I grew up dancing on daddy’s feet and then eventually was able to really dance with him. Polka is part of our heritage and growing up and we would not change that for anything in the world. I get asked all the time where did you learn to dance? And my answer is always on my daddy’s feet!”
As for favorite songs, it’s Black Gypsy Waltz for Barbie. “The Red Ravens always play it for me, at least I take it they play it just for me.” Russell likes Pretty Dancing Girl. Kathy’s faves are Pivo and Kolaches and Moon over Moravia, and Randy likes Young Girl Polka and Blue Skirt Waltz.
In their new roles, Russell and Barbie plan to spread the word – “The Klub gives you a chance to meet new people, make lasting friendships and dance to music that we grew up on. We are truly blessed by wonderful dancing friends who we see more than our families, who pray for you when in need and make you laugh when you need a good laugh.”
Click here for more information on the Polka Lovers Klub of America Texas Chapter and learn how to become a member.