Ah, the seductive footwork of 2/4 time! That's the meter utilized for many indigenous folk dances, including Cajun, Klezmer, polka, and Bulgarian. (Hold on! Not so fast on Bulgarian. If you're counting along at home, most Bulgarian folk music uses meters particularly odd to Western ears. Oh, yes, weird ones such as 5, 7, 9 and 11. Kooks!)

Where were we? I remember: 2/4 — which is important because New London's Ocean Beach Park is hosting Polka Days. The festival started Wednesday and continues through Saturday, with a dozen of the nation's finest purveyors of polka music performing. There are food concessions, daily drink specials, live music in both the Pavilion and the Ballroom, and dancing ad infinitum. Naturally, tangential benefits include all the fun and attractions associated with New England's finest beach park.

Schedule:

Today

Lenny Gomulka & The Chicago Push, Polka Method (10 a.m.- 3 p.m., the Pavilion)

The Natural Talent, Matt's All Star Jam Band, A Tribute to Happy Louie and The Boys (5 p.m.-12:30 a.m., the Ballroom)

Friday

Lenny Gomulka & The Chicago Push, Polish Connection (10 a.m.-3 p.m., the Pavilion)

Polka Country Musicians, The Knewz, Eddie Forman Orchestra, and The KOSMIX (5 p.m.-1 a.m., the Ballroom)

Saturday

The Knewz, The Natural Talent (10 a.m.-3 p.m., the Pavilion)

Polka Mass (4 p.m.)

Polish Connection, Maestro's Men, Polka Country Musicians, The Boys (5 p.m.-1 a.m.)

Polka Days, Ocean Beach Park, 98 Neptune Ave., New London; $22 daily, 16 and under free when accompanied by an adult; (860) 598-4117.