Czech Days kicks off with Polkas in the Park, Wednesday night

WILBER, NEB. - The Czech capital of the United States is beginning celebrations for a special weekend.

Wilber Czech Days officially got underway Wednesday night, with Polkas in the Park. Alumni band members Jeremy Kohout and Jen Pospisil explained the meaning of the night.

“We just try to come down and play some music for the campers in the park who’ve been here for weeks waiting for Czech Days to happen,” Kohout said.

“It’s kind of an unofficial kick off to Czech Days,” Pospisil said. “Thursday is a locals night, but it’s a good way to get the locals excited for the festival and also all the campers.”

The alumni band played a number of traditional Czech songs and the lighting of the flame, to signify the beginning and end of Czech Days was lit to start the night.

Posipisl says the night also shows the future of Czech Days is in good hands.

“The kids dancing out here, it gives me goose bumps,” Pospiisl said. “Seeing that next generation have the passion for the music that we have really makes you feel good, but also the festival in general.”