Note: If you know of a World War II veteran living in Iowa or nearby states, contact Jiří Klůc on his Facebook page or email: sokolovo1943@seznam.cz Jiří Klůc is in a race against time. The World War II historian, a doctoral student at Charles University in Prague, traveled to Iowa in late June to conduct […]
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Category: Czech
Czech historian gathering stories of sur...
Note: “Stories of Czech-Americans in WWII” will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The event is free and open to the public. If you know of a living WWII veteran in Iowa, leave a comment, below. […]
Novak Plaza and Mary Kay’s Garden dedica
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Rain that drizzled down throughout a dedication ceremony in Czech Village was heaven-sent, according to guest speakers who honored the memory of Mary Kay Novak McGrath. “I think it’s obvious that Mary Kay is here, because it’s raining,” Mary Kay’s husband, Pat McGrath, said during the June 20, 2024, dedication of […]
Kolache comeback: popular Czech festival...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The St. Ludmila Kolach Festival plans a return next weekend after a one-year hiatus. Set for June 7-9, 2024, at St. Ludmila Catholic Church, 211 21st Ave. SW, the longtime festival features kolaches, a fruit-filled Czech pastry. Last year, the parish temporarily suspended the festival as it demolished its 1958-built elementary […]
Hawkeye Hannah Stuelke leads Houby Days ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Summer came early for Czech Village as temperatures soared into the 80s during the 46th annual Houby Days. The three-day festival, which celebrates morels (houby is the Czech word for mushrooms) began Friday, May 17, followed by a parade and other festivities on Saturday, May 18, and more to come on […]
Prague-inspired astronomical clock to tu...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Renovations to the clock tower at the edge of Czech Village will be transformational for Cedar Rapids, officials said during a ground-breaking ceremony. “This is, for the museum, a monumental day,” Cecilia Rokusek, president and CEO of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, said at the event under sunny […]
City vows bridge closure won’t deter Hou
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — As the city prepares to close the 16th Avenue Bridge of Lions once again, this time for preventive maintenance, Houby Days organizers hope the closure doesn’t rain on their parade. The annual festival, scheduled for May 17-19, 2024, in Czech Village, will honor Iowa Hawkeye women’s basketball player and former Washington […]
Czech Three Frozen Kings legend warns ga...
It might feel like summer this weekend, but gardeners are warned to heed a Czech legend that guards against a late frost. The legend is known under various names, including the Three Frozen Kings, the three icemen – tři ledovi muži – or Three Ice Saints, Three Frozen Men and Three Iron Men, and warns […]
Cedar Rapids sets stage for new Czech Vi...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Plans are being finalized to replace the beloved Czech Village roundhouse with a new building as part of a larger development. City staff and consultants briefed a roomful of people April 10, 2024, about the updated plans for what they call the LightLine Loop. A rendering of the new Czech Village […]
Master Czech Folk Artist Marj Nejdl hono...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — For decades, Master Czech Folk Artist Marj Nejdl has volunteered her time and talents in designing Christmas ornaments, egg decorating, illustrating books, buttons and more for the Czech community in Cedar Rapids, and now, pieces of her artwork are on display. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library held a […]