Walter Ostanek is ready to hang up his lederhosen. Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest said this year’s festival will be the last for “Canada’s Polka King.” The title is well-earned. Ostanek was born in Duparquet, Quebec on April 30, 1935. His family moved to St. Catharines when he was still in grade school. Ostanek took up the button diatonic accordion at the age of nine, then the piano accordion at 12. By 1957, he had formed the Walter Ostanek Band. Ostanek has recorded more than 50 albums throughout his career, won three Grammys, performed at the Grand Ole Opry and earned a spot on Canada’s Walk of Fame. He also hosted Polka Party on CKCO-TV/CTV Kitchener for 22 seasons. Ostanek has become synonymous with Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest, entertaining festival-goers with his lively performances and catchy polka tunes. The 91-year-old has now decided to bow out. “After decades of bringing polka and Bavarian music to Oktoberfest, Walter Ostanek will take the stage for his final performance at Willkommen Platz,” organizers said Wednesday. He’ll be at the keg tapping ceremony on Friday, Oct. 9, with shows at 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Ostanek will return to the main stage on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The following day, Sunday, Oct. 11, he’ll play at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Organizers are expecting a big crowd for Ostanek’s Oktoberfest send-off. Fans also have a chance to get their hands on a piece of polka history. A silent auction will be held online for Oktoberfest Cares from Sept. 25 until Oct. 12. Ostanek has donated one of his signed accordions for the cause.
