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For questions or information about the Kolach Festival, e-mail Todd at: kolachfest@hotmail.com

Some Czech businessmen on 16th Avenue initiated the first Kolach Festival on October 2, 1924. Originally, the Czech women of the community made the kolaches and donated them to the event. Later on as the festival grew, the kolaches were baked in the Kosek and Pechachec Bakeries of Czech Village. In the evening there was dancing in the street to band music. Although it had become an annual event, the festival on 16th Avenue eventually ended when the Great Depression hit the nation.

Our parish revived the Kolach Festival and held its first event in the summer of 1930. Admission tickets were sold entitling people to a free kolach and coffee. At first, the women of the parish baked all of the kolaches, but as attendance grew, Sranek's Bakery in Czech Village supplied them. Three major prizes were given away in a drawing held on the last night of the festival. The festival continued until 1948 when the Attorney General of Iowa began enforcing the gambling laws. At this time the women of the parish directed their efforts toward serving meals at the All Iowa Fair at Hawkeye Downs.

In 1974, the Altar and Rosary Society began reorganizing the Kolach Festival. Community interest and participation was excellent and as a result, the Kolach Festival again became an annual event held during the second weekend in June. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate in this wonderful community-building event.