After 31 years of practice, the Cesky Den organization again brought Hillsboro’s ethnic celebration to life June 8 and 9.

After welcomes by President Dan Kouba and Hillsboro Mayor Greg Kubarski, State Rep. Lee Nerison (R-Westby) presented a resolution from the Legislature, which he and State Sen. Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse) co-sponsored.

Crowning of the 2013 royalty was a highlight of the morning program on Saturday.  King Bob Roth and Queen Berlaine Roth were crowned by 2012 King and Queen, Don and Cathy Fronk.  Co-Princes, Cameron Huntley and Mitch Huntley, crowned the 2013 Prince Antonio Marquez.  2013 Princess Megan Muller was crowned by 2012 Princess Halie Wallace.

Miss Cesky Den 2012 Zea Woods thanked everyone for the exciting events she shared during the past year.  On Sunday she crowned Miss Cesky Den 2013 McKenzie Morris.

The scholarships for 2012 were presented to Hannah Burchell, Marissa Clark,  Krista Dank, and Emily Stanek, who received their money after completion of one year of college.  It was a delightful turn of fate when Kristopher Clark accepted the award for his sister, since she had accepted for him when he was a winner. 

Jeanne Hora announced winners of the 2013 scholarships:  Ali Brey, Marissa Beaver and Alex Shaker.

The medallion was found by Dave Blaha, who promptly donated it to the H.O.P.E. Walk.

Maureen Kouba again headed the very successful food program, featuring wonderful ethnic food and other short orders.  Visitors from far and wide praised the food and promised to come back next year with more family members in tow.

The Hillsboro Hotshots 4-H put together a 100 foot banana split on Saturday afternoon.

New this year was a quilt show headed by Traci Shaker.  It was so successful Traci is sure we can fill the entire building with breathtaking and historical quilts next year.

The ever popular Domaci Youth Folk Dancers entertained both Saturday and Sunday, with their May Pole Dance being a real show-stopper.

The antique tractors were back, as well as the Petting Zoo, Arts and Crafts (back in the tent again), and Children’s Vest Making led by the Yuba Home and Education Club.

Roger Haugh is the leader of the Yuba Czech Singers, who performed on Saturday morning as well as Sunday morning, as part of the Eccumenical Service, led by Chaplain Todd Fanta and dedicated to all our military people.

Music for dancing Saturday afternoon was provided by the Mark Jirikovec Orchestra and the Orv Konop OK Band. 

The Konop band also provided music for the Polka Memorial Service, which recognizes Cesky Den members who have passed away during the past year.  Russell Olson was honored this year, with an eulogy by his daughter, Maureen Kouba.

Also new this year was a Family Movie Night on Saturday showing “The Lion King” promoted by the FBLA. 

Children’s games were organized by the Hillsboro High School FBLA, a money hunt in the sawdust pile was great fun for many  youngsters,  who also put together the 100 foot banana split on Sunday.

Kris and the Riverbend Dutchmen Band had dancers on the floor of the Firemen’s Community Center on Sunday afternoon.

The Tatra Slovak Dancers entertained on Sunday afternoon, and had such a good time that they hope to come back next year.

Bob Kouba organized the “Hillsboro’s Got Talent” show on Sunday afternoon.  It is always heartwarming to see how much real talent is in our community and give folks a chance to strut their stuff.

Plans are underway for the 2014 Cesky Den  June 14-15.