Morel mushrooms were judged in four categories during Houby Days 2014 in Czech Village, including the largest, shown here. The three-day festival runs May 16-18, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
CEDAR RAPIDS – Morel mushroom lovers had to act fast to buy their favorite delicacy during Houby Days in Cedar Rapids.
Shortly after sales began of the 20 pounds of morels that were brought in to sell during the festival, the sponge-like fungi sold out.
“The mushrooms went quick,” said Deb Christensen, of the Czech Village Association. Selling at $40 per pound or $22 for half-pound, sales both began and ended Saturday morning.
Even so, plenty more is happening during the three-day festival, which began Friday, May 16, and concludes today, Sunday, May 18.
Find the full schedule of events here and see images from the festival, including the morel mushroom contest, below:
Judges examine one of the entries in the “smallest” category of morel mushrooms during Houby Days 2014. The winner was almost imperceptible. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Dozens of mushrooms interspersed with violets in cascading pots won the “best display” category during Houby Days 2014 in Czech Village. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
The “most unusual” award went to this morel mushroom entangled in the root of a plant. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
The winner of the “largest” morel mushroom at Houby Days was found by Tom Brislawn in the area of Troy Mills. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Judges for the Houby Days 2014 morel mushroom contest are shown after their work is done inside Village Meat Market & Cafe in Cedar Rapids. Lou Thompson, owner of the Czech Village business, is seen at left. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
A plant sale is a new feature during Houby Days 2014 in Czech Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The three-day festival celebrates houby, the Czech word for mushrooms. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Julie Wiedner of the Czech School Board discusses Czech terminology with Denver Dvorsky of the Czech Heritage Foundation during Houby Days on 16th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Czech words are shown on the table of the Czech School display during Houby Days 2014 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Lipa Slovak Folk Dancers perform outside the Kosek Bandstand along 16th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, during Houby Days 2014. Saturday’s weather was perfect for dancing, a carnival, rides and other events during the three-day festival, which ends Sunday in Czech Village. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
The menu board at the Village Meat Market & Cafe, 92 16th Ave. SW, shows the specials for Houby Days 2014. The Czech Village festival celebrates morel mushrooms and Czech culture. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
No Comments Yet