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The TCHCC recognized the royal courts from several Czech Heritage Society chapters across Texas, including the Fayette County Czech-Slovak Queen, Madelyn Karstedt (back row, third from right) and Fayette County Czech Slovak Princess Lillie Karstedt (front). Photo by Andy Behlen
The Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center held its annual Slavnost Mayfest celebration on the TCHCC grounds Sunday, May 19. This year’s opening ceremony paid homage to the Bartos and Podhrasky families, which emigrated from the Czech lands to Texas during the 1800s. Representatives from the two families, Connie Smith and Bob Podhrasky, laid a wreath on the TCHCC’s immigrant wall. Brian Vanicek, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic, was unable to attend but he sent a letter read by Kathy Posednik. In it, Vanicek spoke about recent business collaborations between companies in the Czech Republic and Texas. He said the Czech Republic recently opened an office in Austin aimed at strengthening business partnerships between Czech companies and Texas industries. In addition, Vanicek said Czech diplomats will visit La Grange next week to lay the groundwork for a visit to Texas by Czech President Petr Pavel next year.
Festivities throughout the day included demonstrations at the Czech Newspaper Museum and Zapalac Sawmill, tours, an open house at the Texas Polka Lovers Club Museum, and live music by the Donnie Wavra Orchestra.
– Lots More Photos from Mayfest on Page B2 today –
