First runner-up Isabel Sherman, right, of Iowa, poses Aug. 3, 2025 with second runner-up Megan Moucha of Wisconsin, left, and Madelyn Karstedt of Texas, named Miss Czech-Slovak U.S. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

WILBER, Nebraska — Wilber’s claim to the title of Czech Capital of the USA is on full display during the eastern Nebraska town’s annual Czech Festival.

While Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is home to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and hosts a number of Czech festivals, the entire town of Wilber embraces Czech culture during its festival, with parades, live music, dancing, Czech food and more.

For Iowans who miss the scent and tastes from Polehna’s Meat Market in Czech Village, the “original Wilber wieners” at Karpisek’s Market in Wilber come quite close to the former Polehna’s wienies.

Karpisek’s Market in Wilber, Nebraska, features a number of meats including “Wilber wieners.” (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Historic buildings in downtown Wilber also house a number of other businesses, such as the Fox Hole Tavern, established in 1945, which features live Czech music, food and beverages.

Wilber’s population of just under 2,000 residents grows by the thousands during the three-day festival, held this year from Aug. 1-3.

The final day started with rain, but once the skies cleared, temperatures were considerably cooler than the August heat that oftentimes accompanies the festival.

Since 1987, the Miss Czech-Slovak U.S. Pageant has been among the festival highlights.

Isabel Sherman, right, is shown with her parents, Radka and Pete Sherman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after she was crowned Miss Czech-Slovak U.S. first runner-up in Wilber, Nebraska. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Iowans who made the trek west cheered on Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa Isabel Sherman, the daughter of Pete and Radka Sherman of Cedar Rapids.

Isabel became the first “triple winner” for Iowa, taking home the Grand Talent award for her poetry reading, a Kroj Merit award for the traditional dress she made with the help of her mother, and was named Miss Czech-Slovak US First Runner-up, meaning she will continue her reign at the national level during the coming year.

She is an education major at the University of Iowa.

See photos from a past Wilber Czech Festival and more from the 2025 event, below: