Thousands of people will flock to Wilber, Nebraska this weekend for the nation's largest Czech festival. Upwards of 50,000 people from all over the country are expected to come and celebrate their Czech heritage.
Wilber has been hosting the festival for over 50 years, and volunteer Sheryl Kashauntek says the town has been declared the Czech capital of the country. "We're not self-proclaimed. We are the Czech capital of the USA and that was in a joint resolution between the House and the Senate. President Ronald Regan signed that proclamation in 1987."
This year is the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s founding and Wilber plans on making sure there is something for everyone to enjoy at the celebration. There will be lots of food ranging from roast duck and pork to kraut and dumplings.
Friday night's events include a children's parade and a “Little Tuggers” tractor pull. Saturday's festivities start off with the Duck and Dumpling run, which features a two-mile race and a 10K option. Saturday and Sunday afternoons, a grand parade will showcase Czechoslovakia’s centennial followed by the Miss Czech-Slovak U.S. Pageant later that night. There will be lots of polka, dancing and Czech demonstrations throughout the weekend.
The festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday and you can find more information about the festival here.
(Photo courtesy of the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber)