Music, friends, food - Dozinky!
Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer
Thousands of people will converge on New Prague this weekend during Dozinky, New Prague's Czech Harvest Festival. Residents and visitors will enjoy a weekend of music, food and fun.
The 23rd annual celebration of the community's ethnic and agricultural heritage will encompass Main Street this weekend, with a variety of activities planned on Friday and Saturday.
Friday - Cruise Night
The events begin Friday evening, Sept. 14, with the 14th annual Classic Car Cruise. At 6:30 p.m., 400 classic vehicles from 1987 or older will cruise down New Prague's Main Street. The street will be closed to traffic as a variety of vintage cars drive through the downtown area. The vehicles will then head into the surrounding countryside before making their way back into town. Drivers will follow a new route this year due to street work. After the cruise, owners will be able to park their cars along Main Street to give people a closer look at the vehicles.
A street dance, beginning at 8 p.m., will be held on Central Avenue North after the cruise. Downtown Sound Variety Band will provide music.
Saturday - The Festival
Saturday is the day for most Dozinky activities. Main Street will be closed to traffic in the downtown area, allowing people to enjoy the various foods, entertainment and merchandise set up in booths along the sidewalk.
Musical entertainment will be a large part of the day. Musicians will perform at three stages set up along Main Street. Strolling musicians will also make their way around the area, entertaining the crowds throughout the day.
Activities will be spread up and down Main Street, with games, exhibits and other entertainment. One attraction will be Artists' Alley where area artists will display their works, and people can try some hands-on art activities. Most booths will remain open until 5 p.m.
The Parade of Farm Pride begins at noon on Main Street. Sister Catherine McInnis, who has worked at Queen of Peace Hospital in New Prague since it opened 55 years ago, is the grand marshal for this year's parade.
The annual alumni softball and volleyball tournaments will be held at Memorial Park, as will fire department water fights and a tug-of-war competition. The softball tournament will conclude with games on Sunday.
Saturday's activities will end with the annual Variety Show at the New Prague High School auditorium. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and includes 13 acts.
The Official Dozinky Guide, with feature stories and information on the 2007 Dozinky Festival, can be found in this week's edition of The Times.
