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Polka! Polka! Polkamotion by the Ocean returns to Rehoboth

Annual three-day event brings a large crowd to celebrate all things Polish
Polkamotion by the Ocean returned to Rehoboth Beach recently for three days of Polish-themed fun. Shown are Steve and Sue Matcusek. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
September 27, 2025

Polka fans from across the country gathered in Rehoboth Beach recently for the annual Polkamotion by the Ocean.

The three-day event at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center began Sept. 18, featuring three evenings of polkas, waltzes and obereks, and a menu with Polish delicacies. Fans of the bands stood close to the action, while others took in the music from their tables. The dance floor was between the two.

Founded in 1980, the four-day event took place in Ocean City, Md., until the festival moved north to Rehoboth Beach in 2004.

Next year’s Polkamotion by the Ocean will take place Sept. 17-19, 2026, at the convention center. For more information on Polkamotion by the Ocean, go to polkamotion.com.

 

George Rawlings dishes up a plate of homemade pierogies and homemade sausage.
The Eddie Forman Orchestra keeps dancers moving.
These accordions catch their breath while others get to perform.
It takes dexterity to play the accordion.
The sun is going down and the dance floor is beginning to heat up.
Dressed in her “I Love Polka” shirt, Pat Schaffer waltzes around the dance floor with and Syl Madurski.
Gołąbki is the Polish name for stuffed cabbage and it’s all handmade at Polkamotion by the Ocean.
When the music picked up the pace, so did the dancers. Ryan Thull and Sydney Jasinski put that good foot forward.
Adam Maszczenski has the most important job – manning the pierogi grill.
Sometimes the dance floor can be sticky, which is why there are piles of cornmeal to keep those shoes moving.
In case three days of polka isn’t enough, there are plenty of at-home options available.
You might be Polish if you can read this menu correctly.
Polka music can be loud, which is why Chuck Kania’s ear plugs are a veteran move.

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Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.

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