Tabor Czech Days

As my year as queen was coming to an end I wanted to make the most of it. I had to make one more out of state trip! ;)

I went to Tabor Czech days back in 2005 and it was an awesome festival. I was looking forward to taking my family there for them to experience. It's so wonderful to go to different states and see how each one celebrates a bit differently but there are many similarities. I feel like this is how it would be if you went to the different towns in the Czech Republic or Slovakia.

We got there a bit early because I thought the parade was earlier than it was. This gave us a chance to walk around a bit and see all of the kolace they had ready and more. I was excited to get to see Jennifer again and talk to her a bit before our big weekend in Wilber in a few short weeks. I was lucky to get to ride through in the parade with the wonderful Wilber Czech Slovak Prince and Princess, Julia and John, which was very helpful because all we had was a van and I guess I could have rode on top but may not have been the nicest presentation. HEHE! Thanks to their family I got to ride in a new Mustang convertible with them. I also got to meet the contestants competing for the Czech Days Queen title. I got to watch them model their kroj and perform their talents before the day was over. I was very excited to get to hear Math Sladky's band back together again and playing a LONG job in town. It's always fun to see some familiar faces around when you're far away from home. One of the highlights of the day for me is watching the Tabor Beseda dancers. There are SO MANY of them and they are all different ages. If you have time to watch this I would definitely recommend it.

We had to leave right after the Beseda dancers finished as I had to be in Clarkson bright and early on Saturday for the Nebraska pageant. This is another festival I would recommend to anyone if you have the time be sure to "Czech" it out! ;)

Spanem Bohem!
Stefanie Vocasek
2009-10 Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen

Valparaiso Accordion Jam and Parade

I can't believe how fast a year goes by. It seems like just a few months back I was playing in the Valparaiso accordion jam and finally believing that I might actually be able to play that squeeze box pretty well someday. :) I was excited to get to go back and play with some of my polka friends. It's always great to see Dottie Sladky too!

Since Math Sladky was from Valparaiso they dedicated their celebration this year to him. Dottie had a bunch of his band members get together and they played together on a float with a large picture of him on it. It was sad but I know he was watching down over all of us and was very proud to hear the polka music being carried on. It was great to see lots of royalty there representing too. I'm so proud of this years royalty for being so active and involved in events around the state and beyond. I hope they'll keep it up!

After the parade was complete we went over to Dottie's house and had a jam with a group of musicians on her porch. It was a great time and I look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Spanem Bohem!
Stefanie Vocasek
2009-10 Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen

Capital City Woodcarvers Anniversary Party

I know you don't believe it but it was another busy day! After attending the South Central Czech Festival in Hastings I had to make it back to Lincoln for the Capital City Woodcarvers 40th Anniversary Party where they asked me to speak and perform while they celebrated their accomplishments in the past 40 years. I have a special tie to this club as my dad has been a member since I remember. We used to attend events and I tried my hand a carving (and got bored very easily so I admire those who have the patience and steady hand to do it.) We also went camping with members of the club so many of them have watched me grow into the Czech-Slovak queen I am today! :)

They let me have a few minutes to eat as they talked about the history of the club and did some sharing of new carvings they had finished recently. I spoke about my Czech Heritage, my year as queen, and opportunity I had at the Miss Czech Slovak US pageant. I was excited to hear that so many people wanted to learn more about their heritage after hearing me speak and they even planned to have a heritage day with the club so everyone could share what they learned after a few months. It is important to get our younger generations involved but I think we often forget to encourage adults to learn more so I was very excited about this. Next I played my accordion and sang a bit. Of course my dad made me share my story of how I got my accordion....or should I say accordions now! :D Everyone had a great time and as usual the toes were tapping by the time we were done. I am so happy that they thought to invite me to be a part of this celebration.

Spanem Bohem!
Stefanie Vocasek
2009-10 Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen

South Central Czech Festival - The Last to Crown Their 2010 Queen

I couldn't believe that the South Central Festival had already arrived. It seemed like just yesterday I was wearing my new kroj for the first time and preparing for the state pageant!

It was going to be another busy day with playing in the accordion jam, performing my Blue Skirt Waltz, helping with the crowning, and having to head out of town to make it to another event in Lincoln!

The accordion jam was a lot of fun and we had a performance with all of the women accordion players together. It was fun to show off how many of us there were at the jam! :) I did my performance that I won the state title with (and only had one mishap with the props! LOL!) Then we crowned the new 2010 South Central Czech Slovak Queen. Erin was a past queen who decided to run again. YIPPEE! :) They handed me the mic and let me take the stage with all of the queens and have them introduce them then told them I was going to ask each of them a question and put them on the spot before the state pageant. I think I had a few of them a bit nervous based on the looks I got from them. HAHA! As expected they all did an awesome job! Next Willie asked me a few questions and then started telling everyone how I only had a few more days left as queen. After all of that I walked on stage and had my first of what I assume will be many tears because this amazing journey as your state queen is coming to an end. I have to keep in mind that I will be competing for the national title and this could just be the beginning of another journey!

I had a great time at the South Central Festival and I look forward to attending again in the near future!

Na Shledanou,
Stefanie Vocasek
2009-10 Nebraska Czech-Slovak Queen