Members of the Czech Royal Court greeted visitors to the Glovik Parish Center during the St. Wenceslaus Church Goulash Day in 2018. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Two festivals have joined forces to provide a day of Czech family fun, with the St. Wenceslaus Church Goulash Day and CzechFest in Czech Village, both on Sunday. Sept. 22, 2019.

Kolaches, in apricot and other traditional flavors, are among attractions at the St. Wenceslaus Church Goulash Day. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

While the two still operate independently, free hayrack rides across the Bridge of Lions will allow visitors to easily participate in both festivals.

More: What is Czechtivity?

St. Wenceslaus — a Czech national parish at 1224 Fifth St. SE — has hosted Goulash Day for decades, featuring its namesake goulash (what some might consider a beef and vegetable stew) served with rye bread and a variety of desserts.

“Wencburgers” are another popular feature at the festival, but the biggest draws are the kolaches, a Czech favorite sold in traditional flavors of cherry, poppyseed, apricot and prune.

Potatoes, carrots and other vegetables are among goulash ingredients. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Bingo, raffles, a country stores, children’s games and face painting are among other activities.

Live music also is a mainstay of the festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 10:30 a.m. Mass featuring the St. Wenceslaus choir and Czech hymns.

Performances include the Czech Plus Band at 11:45 a.m., Svetlusky dancers at 1:15 and 3:15 p.m., Mike Lasack & his Rhythm-Aires at 1:30 p.m. and the Iowa Accordion Club at 3:30 p.m.

Across the Cedar River, Czech Village hosts CzechFest from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Activities include live music, pumpkin decorating, a scarecrow contest, 50/50 raffle, Broom Hockey Shoot-Out, bubble pond and more.

Admission is free to both festivals.

See photos from the two festivals last year and learn about other Czech events in Iowa.

A “bubble pond” entertained visitors outside of Sykora Bakery during CzechFest 2018 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)