After a disappointing 2020, Houby Days is back in the Czech Village this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday!

In case you're not familiar, Houby Days is an annual festival that celebrates the culture and history of the Czech Village District, with a special emphasis on mushrooms ('Houby' is Czech for 'mushrooms'). This year will be the 43rd anniversary of the tradition, but things are going to look a little bit different because of the pandemic. An article from CBS 2 says that the queen contest, the carnival, and the parade will NOT be happening this year.

So, what will be happening at the 2021 event? According to an article from the Homegrown Iowan, "16th Avenue will be blocked off for street vendors and activities for children," local businesses will have specials, and there will be live music beginning Friday night with the Czech Plus Band from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You'll also be able to check out the new 7-foot-tall morel mushroom that was carved by chainsaw artist Nate Greiner out of a tree that fell during last year's derecho!

In addition to Houby Days, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is starting a new tradition this year with another event called Hody Days. Their website says, "Hody is an annual traditional celebration held between May to November throughout the Czech and Slovak Republics."

The Cedar Rapids celebration will take place over the course of several days this month, beginning with a traditional Czech meal drive-up on Friday, May 21st. There will also be a Linden tree planting, a cooking demonstration, and a wine tasting on May 22nd, and a concert on May 23rd. Get details on all of the 2021 Hody Days events HERE.

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