If you are searching for happiness in life, I recommend you walk into Larry Olsen’s Lake Benton barn during a Memorial Day weekend.

And don’t worry, you won’t be trespassing. He will be expecting you.

“I open the door up and trust everybody,” Olsen said.

He had just led his Larry Olsen Band to one polka song after another for three hours. He squeezed his accordion over and over again. He sang and raised his plastic cup of beer up in the air to lead a toast.

And the beer was flowing as dozens and dozens of feet were moving to the tunes during the 23rd annual Larry Olsen Music Fest.

It was my first music fest and I had a few questions for one of the kings of polka music. He recently had been inducted into the Legends of Dakota Music Hall of Fame.

But Olsen, as it turns out, insisted on asking the first question.

“Did you get a chance to dance a couple?” he asked.

“No,” I said. “I’ve just been watching.”

“You should have gone out,” Olsen said.

My first question had a lot to do with what I witnessed for two hours of watching dancers at two separate stages. I found so many smiles. I watched a grandma hold a baby in her arms as she swayed with the music. I watched couples of all ages holding each other tightly as they moved around the floor. Another elderly couple wore matching Western shirts and slacks. They held hands as they walked off the floor toward the beer stand.

Another gentleman in a blue shirt and black suspenders was alone on the floor. That didn’t appear to matter to him. He moved his feet with the music just the same. Another older dancer led his female partner wearing American flag shorts.

The horns were blaring. Every so often you would hear a scream of joy.

“Why do you do it?” I asked. I was referring to the music fest.

“I’m trying to keep it alive,” Olsen said.

“(Polka bands) played many of these (polka fests) years ago, and they all fell to the wayside. Ballrooms locked up. People just quit them. It’s (music festival) still going strong. We are getting some new ones (dancers). So that’s what will be needed to keep this going.”

Earlier I had a conversation with Nancy Wierdzema. She’s been doing her part in keeping polka alive.

“It’s wonderful,” she said. “I have been here for all 23 years, my husband and I. He passed away nine years ago, so I started helping setting up. I enjoy all four days and I will go home Monday.

“We always liked polka dancing. We are friends of Larry’s. He plays the old polka music. Larry’s and Brenda’s (his wife) personality just draws people.”

When her husband was alive, Wierdzema said they were the first on the floor and the last to walk off.

Their favorite songs were the Isabella Polka and Snow Waltz.

Shirley Kasma also attended all 23 festivals.

“I’m full blooded Norwegian. I only come for the fun, but I’m all songed out,” she said. “I’m in love with the horns.”

And I guess that’s why Olsen works so hard to keep it alive. For the sound of the horns that his fans love to hear. And the smiles.

“I’ve had nothing but nice people,” Olsen said. “It’s just been a great experience. I encourage anybody, if you have never tried it, come on out and try the music. It’s fun.”

With that, Olsen handed me a beer. Before walking away, he offered me some advice.

“Be happy, keep dancing.”

So that’s the secret to happiness — more polka.