Jim Ebner founded Polka Parade, somewhat by accident, when WYMS, the radio station he was program director for, needed to fill airtime and replace one of the station’s departing shows. Jim’s position with WYMS came about as a direct result of earlier television work with Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). In the 1960’s and 70’s, Jim hosted a television science show for elementary students and taught thousands of students some of the basics of science and the environment. When classroom TV was fazed out, Jim was transferred to the MPS radio station, WYMS, where he began to produce and direct a wide variety of community radio shows.

Jim learned to play the accordion in the 1950’s and eventually started playing with local Milwaukee bands. It was this background that helped to create what has now become one of the longest running polka radio shows in the country. Jim helped to greatly increase the station’s polka record library, would often travel to polka events and helped financially with station fund raisers. As he did all of this, he remained on the air every Saturday for over three decades, doing Polka Parade before finally stepping away from the microphone.

Now in is 90s, Jim continues to reside in southeastern Wisconsin. Although he is no longer on the air and has passed on his leadership role, he still lends his talents and provides input and assistance as needed. Without his help the show could never have survived as long as it has. It’s because of all of this that Jim will always be known as the founder of Polka Parade.

Dick Blaha is known throughout Southeastern Wisconsin as the Polka Ambassador. Dick grew up in Milwaukee and has been a resident for most all of his life. If you head to a polka-related event, you are likely to see Dick in attendance – often handing out promotional material for upcoming dances, events and Polka Parade shows. He is also heavily involved with, and vice president of, the Wisconsin Polka Boosters.

Dick became involved with Polka Parade in the late 1990’s immediately following the show’s departure from WYMS. Polka Parade leadership asked him to help promote the show, which spawned the term, Polka Ambassador, as he was constantly promoting polka music by attending multiple polka fests and dance events weekly. Dick was also instrumental in helping to create and promote the initially semi-annual, and eventually annual, benefit dances. These fund raisers were extremely helpful in allowing Polka Parade to transition from public, to commercial radio. Dick also helped to recruit and sign-up supporters to become members of the Polka Parade Pals.

Today, Dick helps mostly with behind-the-scenes duties. He’s the person you talk with when calling Polka Parade or needing assistance. Whether it be answering telephone questions, responding to e-mails, or working with an advertiser, Dick is ready to serve up goodwill for Polka Parade and the polka community. Dick’s hard work, determination, and promotional ability have also earned him the 2008 Support and Promotion award from the Wisconsin Polka of Fame.