This weekend is Kolacky Days!

This year marks 82 years of Montgomery rolling out the red carpet for thousands of visitors for the annual Kolacky Days festival.

The three-day event has many of the popular events returning again for another year, including some new events like the Kabob Food and Kona Ice vendors, the new location for the Tour de Bun at the Grandstand in the park, and the return of the helicopter rides and the outdoor movie on Thursday. The popular Queen’s Pageant will be held on Friday, July 22 where judges will vote on new ambassadors for the next 12 months. There is also the softball tournament, Tour de Bun Bike Classic (new starting spot), classic car show, horseshoe and bean bag tournaments, tractor pulls (human and machine), races, exhibits, and performances by several dance groups, including Center Stage, St. Paul Czech and Slovak, and Domaci Czech Folk Dancers. 

Montgomery Area Community Club (MACC) member, Maureen Franek said everything is on track and looking to be a great year. 

“There are a record number of pre-registrations for the bike ride and Bun Run, and I believe the softball tournament is at capacity again this year,” she said. “The Car Show is expecting a large turnout as usual, and we have all the food vendors back as well as a few new ones.”

Saturday is jam-packed full of activities from sun up to sun down. On Sunday, the festival continues with the Grand Day Parade, music, and the Kolacky Days Raffle at 4 p.m. Tickets are still available for the raffle where 14 prizes will be drawn. Winning amounts range from $50 to $1,000. 

Crafts

Part of Kolacky Days are the craft booths in Memorial Park on Saturday and Sunday. Chairperson Carol Kiekow said the schedule of crafters is full. She added that she has also added some booths after the deadline to put the number at 30 exhibitors. Some of the crafters include vintage Czech pottery and glass, tie-dyed dresses, jewelry, authentic Czech items, handmade candles and soaps, wood products and more.

Franek said the festival wouldn’t be possible without the help of many people who have volunteered throughout the year.

“We are very grateful for all the volunteer help behind the scenes.  It takes a village to put on a successful Kolacky Days,” she said.

For a complete list of events, as well as stories about Kolacky Days events, see the “Kolacky Days Festival and Event Guide” inserted in this week’s Messenger.