The annual Prague Kolache Festival is Saturday, May 2, with the theme for the parade “From Praha to Prague.” Everyone is invited to participate in the parade and show your originality to interpret the theme or to have any type of entry that would be a delight to the crowd.
The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. and entries are now being accepted. All businesses, school and civic organizations, clubs, churches and individuals are encouraged to participate in the festival by having a float or entry in the parade. The floats are a highlight of the parade and there are so many different interpretations of the theme to make the floats so interesting. There are ten divisions in the float category that have cash prize awards.
All those wishing to participate are asked to have a parade application completed and returned by the Monday, April 27, deadline to be eligible for prize money. Also, a return mailing address is required to receive your cash prize by mail. No cash prizes will be given out on festival day.
Judged entries include floats, drill teams, animal/ equestrian, and a Crowd Pleaser award from among all entries in the parade.
Floats are judged on theme portrayal, “From Praha to Prague” for originality, construction and design, and eye appeal. Float divisions are: Two separate categories for Youth Division and Adult Division, 1st - 5th place ($250, $200, $150, $100, $50); and Commercial Division (business), 1st - 3rd place plaques awarded. A Sweepstakes trophy is also presented to the float selected Best of Show.
Drill Teams: amateur class, youth teams high school age or below, professional class for adults college age or above compete for 1st - 3rd prizes in both divisions ($100, $75, $50).
Equestrian category includes round-up clubs, riding clubs, horse-drawn wagons and carriages, 1st - 3rd places ($150, $100, $75). Proof of a current negative Coggins test is required for all horses prior to entrance to parade line-up.
Animal miscellaneous (other than horses) compete for 1st - 3rd places ($100, $75, $50).
The Crowd Pleaser award is selected at the Main Grandstand so all entries are encouraged to briefly stop and perform (2 minutes at max). This award can go to any entry, even if it has already been selected as a winner in another division. Entry does not have to follow theme.
The parade line-up is on south Highway 99 (Jim Thorpe Blvd.) between 1st and 7th Streets. The check-in location is on Highway 99 just north of 1st Street.
Parade entries are asked to briefly stop at the main grandstand at the city park where they may perform. Suggested distance between entries is at least three car lengths. Parade entries are prohibited to throw candy, gum, toys, pamphlets or election campaign materials from any vehicle. These items may be handed out by people walking along the parade route.
The parade starts promptly at 11:00 a.m. and is not cancelled in the event of rain. Entries should be at the parade line-up site at 9:30 a.m. Parade entries are judged starting at 10:00 a.m. at the line-up site.
Parade applications are available on the festival website www.praguekolachefestival.com, by calling the festival office (405) 567-4866, and at Prague City Hall.