Dozinky and other aspects of life
Dozinky, that time when it seems New Prague’s population doubles begins this Friday, Sept. 15. On the front page is a brief listing of what will be happening on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16. For more in depth information The Times has a special section in this week’s issue.
People will see my editor Chuck Kajer and I busily taking photos and writing down information on Friday and Saturday. Frankly, two things help me, especially on Saturday, one is a “to do list” and the other is the map and schedule in the special section. I usually keep both within reach to remind me as to what I’m covering and at what time. Of course, I also have some time to talk a little bit about what is going on during the Czech harvest festival or in the area. For me, I’ve only missed one Dozinky in the 18 years I’ve been living and working in New Prague. The one I missed was for a family wedding. Otherwise I’ve seen how the festival has grown and changed or how they’ve tried different things some years. One event that is still relatively new is the Kolacky Eating Contest, which is in its second year, at the Chamber Beer Garden. There have been a few activities that have been held, but only lasted for a few years. Among them have been a tug-of-war contest and a water fight between the New Prague Fire Department and other communities’ firefighters. Both those competitions were held in or near Memorial Park.
Another event is the Dozinky Variety Show, which I was slightly surprised to find out is in its 19th year. The program is one that I’ve enjoyed since its early days, although I’m usually moving to get photos of the various performances. I remember one of the shows when brothers Den and Dan Gardner were the hosts. That year they did famous duos, which included Rocky Balboa and Adrian and the Lone Ranger and Tonto.
Since this mentions “other aspects of life,” well, my life has had its ups and downs like anyone else. This summer I went up to Duluth for the wedding of a second cousin. It has been several years since I was last there and I had forgotten how incredible a city it is. With the layout and design I was wishing I had time to take some photos. I’m now thinking about a possible trip, perhaps next year, to just get out and see Duluth. It could be a day trip, since it’s relatively close. I know for some people that may seem strange, since it’s about a three-hour drive, but then some people are nearly driving that amount of time to commute between where they live and where they work.
On the flip side of the coin, this weekend I watched anxiously as Hurricane Irma made its way across Florida. I have family and a couple friends in that state and waiting, and worrying, to see how badly the hurricane would pummel Florida was nerve-wracking. When I saw that Irma was slowly being downgraded from a level five to two and then a tropical storm that helped my nerves, some. Thankfully I found out that everyone came through Hurricane Irma safe. I’m just hoping that when everyone goes back to their homes that there isn’t too much damage. I saw the results of Hurricane Harvey and I realize that for people in Texas and now in Florida, there is a long road ahead.
