Polka musicians of national and international prominence, Ted Lange and Mollie B, will visit and entertain area residents from 2 to 6 p.m. Oct. 13 during the 30th-year celebration for the Slovenian Polka Club in Johnsonburg.

The event at the Johnsonburg Fire Hall at 99 Clarion Road, is organized by John Berne of Smethport and John and Pat Moore of Kane. Sponsors are the North Central Pa. Slovenian Polka Boosters and Berne, who is an area polka promoter.

On Monday, the Moores and Berne visited with polka enthusiast and accordion player Barbara Shufran of Bradford, to share information on the Langes’ upcoming “Squeezebox” performance in Johnsonburg. John Moore said the Langes’ visit to the area for the performance was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

“The only way we got (Mollie B) is she’ll play in New York state (Oct. 12), and then she’ll drop down and play for us” Oct. 13, Moore explained.

Shufran, who is a member of the Slovenian Polka Club, said booking Mollie B was very fortunate for the club.

“It’s a big deal having her, she travels all over the world,” Shufran said of the musician, who also plays annually in Branson, Mo. “She is a big deal — I always think of her as the Elvis Presley of polka.”

Moore, who plays with three polka bands in the area, said many of their club members and visitors come to their events not just to dance, but to dance the way they want to and simply have fun.

“I have a sign on the wall that says ‘Dance like nobody is watching,’” he added.

Berne, who is the vice president of the McKean County Fair, also plays polka at venues in the area that include senior centers, has a radio show that airs Sundays on WDDH-FM and has compact discs of his music.

Pat Moore said the event is open to the public, but will have limited seating. Advance tickets are $20, and $25 at the door. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the event.

For more information, call John or Pat Moore at 837-9218; Berne at 887-5396; WDDH at 772-9700; or Shufran at 366-3615.