Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant, Montgomery MN

On April 15th, I traveled to Montgomery, Minnesota, to watch the Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota pageant. The evening started with a delicious Czech meal where I could catch up with some old friends such as Sarah Holicky, whom I will be competing with in August at the national pageant, and make some new friends! Then, the pageant portion of the evening got underway. Two contestants were vying for the Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota title; they represented beautifully and will do amazing things this coming year. In addition, several junior ambassadors will begin their Czech and Slovak journeys. During the evening, Anna Sedivy-Thompson gave a presentation about authentic Kroje. I learned some things I did not know before! Visiting Montgomery, Minnesota, for the Miss Czech-Slovak Minnesota Pageant was an enriching and memorable experience, highlighting the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, fostering community connections, and promoting personal growth and leadership among young women.

Czech Embassy, Washington, D.C.

On March 25th, I participated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Washington, DC. Anna Sedivy-Thompson, Miss Czech-Slovak 1st runner-up, invited my family and me to partake in an Easter celebration at the Czech Embassy in Washington, DC.

Upon arrival at the embassy, we were greeted with colorful Czech decorations, eggs, and bunnies! The atmosphere was festive and joyous, and I couldn't help but smile. I was incredibly excited to model an authentic kroj from the Domaïlice Dolní Chodsko Region of Bohemia. This kroj is a 130-year-old bridal kroj, and it was truly an honor to model and wear it. Reese wore a kroj from Velká nad Velickou, Horñácko Region of Moravia. The visiting royalty participated in a kroj fashion show for everyone to hear each kroj's unique and remarkable story. There were eight different kroje present!

The embassy had organized several activities for us to participate in dying and coloring eggs using Kraslice techniques, an egg hunt, playing with bunnies, and socializing.

 After the Easter event, the Hejna family and I spent the rest of the week exploring the iconic landmarks of Washington, D.C. We visited national monuments such as the Washington, Lincoln, and Roosevelt Memorial, the White House and Capitol, and Arlington Cemetery. Each monument had its unique story to tell, and we learned so much about the history of the United States.

We also visited several museums, including the Holocaust Museum, National Archives, Air and Space Museum, and Natural History Museum. The exhibits were informative and engaging; we could have spent hours exploring each.

I am incredibly grateful to the Tabor Chamber of Commerce for making this trip possible. With their generous donation, I learned about the vital role of the Czech Embassy in promoting Czech culture and firsthand strengthening the relationship between the United States and the Czech Republic.

Czech Days in Pierre, February 6, 2023

On February 6th, Queen Drew and her royal court traveled to South Dakota’s state capitol! They began their busy day with a private South Dakota State Historical Society Museum tour. They explored many exhibits that were rich in South Dakota history. Some of the royalty’s favorite exhibits were the shadow puppets, the sod house replica, and the Farmall tractor. Queen Drew feels so fortunate to be from and represent a state with such a rich history. After, the royalty went to the state capitol to spend the rest of their day. The royal court was honored to meet and share their experiences as Czech Days royalty with Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden, Legislators, Senators, and many others. The royalty even got recognized within the House by Drew Peterson and in the Senate by Kyle Schoenfish. A special thank you to Jessica Bahmuller for the extraordinary hospitality. The royalty loved hearing everything you shared! Queen Drew is grateful for the sacrifices all legislators make to better the state of South Dakota.

National Czech and Slovak Museum- January 14, 2023

Queen Drew traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to visit the National Czech and Slovak Museum. She and her family enjoyed the many educational exhibits found within. They explored many extraordinary exhibits that told stories of freedom, identity, family, and community about the Czech and Slovak people. Her favorite exhibit was the rotating kroje carousel exhibit! She admired many styles of kroje from different regions across the Czech and Slovak Republics. She even had the opportunity to learn more about her family genealogy in the library! After, she and her family explored the Czech Village with Cedar Rapids and stumbled across some treasures at the Czech Village Antiques shop. She brought home a new addition to her Garnet jewelry collection and some new kroje pieces. The Hejna’s concluded their trip by eating at the Czech Town Station. Drew is thankful for the fantastic hospitality and can’t wait to return to Cedar Rapids for Houby Days in May!

Christmas/New Year blog- January 4, 2023

Veselé Vánoce and Šťastný nový rok! Queen Drew has had a busy Christmas break; she and her royal court attended four local holiday light parades; Lesterville, Avon, Yankton, and Tabor. It was chilly, but they loved being a part of local holiday celebrations and traditions. 

In addition, she spent much time with her family, took her Queen portraits along with her court, perfected her kolache recipe, and participated in various Czech traditions. While Queen Drew and her family did not participate in all of the following traditions, here are a few you can implement in next year’s holiday festivities.

St. Mikuláš

On the night of December 5, Mikuláš, represented as a bearded bishop, visits the children of the Czech Republic with an angel and a devil to judge children for how they behave each year. If the children are good, the angel gives them sweets or candy, but if they are bad, the devil threatens them with gifts of coal or potatoes. Naughty kids can often escape their fate by reciting a poem or singing a song.

The pet Carp

Carp is a traditional entrée for the Czech’s. It is customary to buy this fish and keep it alive in their bathtubs for days or weeks until it is ready to be cooked for Christmas dinner. 

Foretelling the Future

For Czechs, Christmas gatherings have always been the perfect time for fortune-telling of the coming year. 

Shoe-throwing

Girls are supposed to throw a shoe at Christmas. If the tip points towards the door, the girl will be married within the year. If the shoe points in the opposite direction, the girl will remain single for another year. 

Sliced Apples

During Christmas dinner, Czech families halve apples. The shape of the seed predicts their health for the coming year. If the star appears, then they will be well and healthy. If the cross appears, nothing good should be expected.