A Savory Century-Old Cedar Rapids Tradition is Back This Weekend

A Cedar Rapids Catholic Church is inviting you to enjoy a tasty tradition going into its 99th year this Sunday, while also helping them recover from the derecho.

St. Wenceslaus Czech Goulash Day is nearing the century mark. Last year's event was canceled due to derecho damage and the pandemic. This year, money raised at the event will go towards repairs of the church's steeple and work continues to fix major damage to the Glovik Parish Center building, where much of the celebration and food preparation typically takes place. They were given the OK to use that building for food preparation this year but only volunteers will be allowed in this year.

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Festival activities will be moved outdoors under a tent in the church parking lot at 1224 Fifth St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Kids' games will take place in Czech Heritage Park. The whole event happens this Sunday, from 1-5 p.m. so bring cash or checks, the only form of payment accepted. Here's what the Cedar Rapids Gazette describes for activities during the event

Live music is a mainstay of Czech Goulash Day, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday outside the church at 1224 Fifth St. SE. Performances include the Iowa Accordion Club at 11:30 a.m.; Czech Plus Band at 12:30 p.m.; Svetlusky dancers at 1:30 p.m. and Barefoot Becky & the Ivanhoe Dutchmen from 2 to 5 p.m. Bingo, raffles, a kids’ zone and tours of the newly renovated church are among other activities. The church interior was entirely cleaned and repainted after the derecho, and stained glass windows were sent to Milwaukee for repair. Masses resumed in the church this spring.