Yukon’s Czech Festival Celebrates 60 Years of Tradition and Culture
The 60th annual Czech Festival in Yukon kicks off this weekend with a parade, cultural performances, contests, and a polka party, celebrating the town’s Czech heritage.
Yukon, Okla. — Yukon is hosting its 60th annual Czech Festival this weekend, celebrating the town’s rich cultural heritage with food, fun, and tradition.
“This is our 60th anniversary, so we started out in just a little town plaza here in Yukon, and now 60 years later we’ve grown to a much larger area at our Oklahoma Czech building,” said Kim Rex, president of Oklahoma Czech, Inc.
This year’s theme, “Czechin’ Our Roots on Route 66,” coincides with the centennial celebration of the historic Mother Road. For decades, the festival has brought thousands of people together to honor culture and tradition.
“Yukon was built on a lot of Bohemian and some Arabian farmers that came and settled in this area, so our mission statement really is just to share the culture and heritage with the community,” Rex stated.
The festivities begin Friday night with a beer garden and carnival. On Saturday morning, a military flyover and a parade will kick off at 10 a.m.
“Along with the parade, we’ll be continuing with all the celebrations featuring Czech cultural performances, the pivot garden, polka bands, a running carnival, and kolaces will be available for eating and sale,” Rex detailed.
The festival will also highlight vendors, arts and crafts, a kolace-eating contest, and a stein-holding contest.
“Every single year there is something different; we offer something unique for every aspect of different foods, traditions, and cultures,” said Chase Holmes, vice-president of Oklahoma Czech, Inc. and parade chairman.
The parade will take place on Main Street in Yukon, with celebrations continuing at the Oklahoma Czech building until 5 p.m. The day will conclude with a polka party at the historic Yukon Czech Hall, lasting until 10:30 p.m.
