WILSON — The typical 100-plus degree heat and high humidity greeted residents of the Czech Capital of Kansas Friday, but briefly moderated Saturday morning as everyone became “Czech for a Day” to celebrate this year’s After Harvest Czech Festival in Wilson.

Friday evening temperatures topped out at 108 degrees as a lighter than normal crowd of people gathered in Wilson Winners 4-H Club Park and the nearby Social Garden to enjoy the festivities, including carnival rides, vendors, performances by the Wilson Czech Dancers and the Wilson City Band and the annual cake and ice cream social.

There are 38 members of the Wilson Czech Dancers this year, under the direction of Paula (Svaty) Gray, 1998 Miss Kansas Czech-Slovak Queen. They are Kendall Hlaus, Ronni Stoppel, Lauren, Eli and Wyatt Brokes, Handley and Kinley Stevenson, Emmy Dlabal, Ava McGowan, Lily Vopat, Aubrey Hudson, Jaycie Falcon, Abi and Maci Soukup, Rosalee Homeier, Clara Demel, Emmalin Pasek, Elizabeth Tipton, Brooklyn and Remy Webb, Laila Thompson, Amelia and Mazie Barta, Kambri and Kashden Kasper, Berkley and Harper Kasper, Rayna Beckman, Madison Ward, Adilyn and Haley Lackey, Jane, Annie and Ben Grosscup, Cora Svaty and Sage, Pierce, Tess and Sloane Gray.

In spite of the heat, the festival lived up to its theme this year —“There’s More To See in ’23” — with a little something for all ages, from the pageantry of the Czech Queen and Princess Pageants to Kansas’ largest smalltown parade to polka music, performances by the Wilson Czech Dancers and the Wilson City Band, arts and crafts, food and fun.

Saturday morning, the parade started with temperatures in the mid-70s and mild humidity thanks to clouds overhead and a cool southerly breeze. Once the parade ended, however, temperatures quickly climbed into the 80s and then on into the 90s later in the afternoon and the humidity increased as the sun broke out from the clouds.

All-in-all, however, the After Harvest Czech Festival went off without a hitch, thanks to the hard work both in front and behind the scenes by many volunteers and, as always, the Wilson City crew.

“It definitely was a hot couple of days,” Committee Co-Chairperson Susan Kriley said. “We appreciate everyone coming out. Everything went well.”

Friday afternoon, during the annual Kansas Miss Czech Princess Pageant, five girls received crowns, sashes and other prizes after winning the competition in their respective categories.

Malir Carlin, Osborne, daughter of Darin and Debra Carlin, was crowned Mini Princess; Jane Grosscup, Lenexa, daughter of Brad and Cathy Grosscup, and Kambri Kasper, daughter of J.L. and Danielle Kasper, Wilson, tied for the Little Princess crown; Libbie Carlin, Osborne, daughter of Darin and Debra Carlin, was crowned Junior Princess; and Sage Gray, Ellsworth, daughter of Michael and Paula (Svaty) Gray, was crowned Senior Princess.

“It’s so exciting to see how many girls are excited about their Czech heritage,” Pageant Director Cathy Grosscup said.

Also Friday afternoon, the Kansas Czechs Inc. had its annual meeting at the Wilson Senior Center.

Early Saturday morning, two familiar politicians, 109th District Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill) and Kansas State Treasurer Steven Johnson, (R-Assaria) gathered at the Midland Railroad Hotel Barn to give an update on the treasurer’s office and the state legislature during the annual Legislative Kolaches and Coffee gathering.

Saturday’s annual Czech Fest Parade was led by the grand marshal, Wilson School’s students, staff and faculty. Kriley said the parade had slightly over 70 entries.

Saturday afternoon, Emma Carlin, daughter of Darin and Debra Carlin of Osborne was crowned the 2023 Miss Kansas Czech-Slovak Queen during the annual pageant, which was conducted at the First Baptist Church. It was the second time Carlin has worn the Miss Kansas Czech-Slovak Queen crown, having been crowned queen in 2018.

As with any festival, Czech food was served in abundance. Friday evening, 170 Czech meals were served at the Wilson Senior Center. Senior Center Manager Sharon Holloway said that number was down from last year.

Saturday, 272 hungry festival-goers crowded into the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Parish Hall for the traditional Czech lunch buffet served by the Altar Society. Again, that number was down about 40 compared to previous years according to an Altar Society spokesperson.