The Czech Heritage Foundation was among organizations to participate in the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s Community Cultural Celebration & Expo.  Held March 7, the event happened before social distancing guidelines went into place in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart kicked off the celebration alongside the Czech Heritage Foundation’s Royal Court, including Miss Czech-Slovak Iowa Breckyn Pokorny, followed by a bagpipe procession to the upper level of the library, where a number of community organizations showcased information about their groups. The Czech Royal Court — young people ages 6 to 16 who represent the Czech Heritage Foundation at festivals and other events — tried their hand at traditional Japanese archery, learned about numerous non-profit groups and met elected officials, including state representative Art Staed. Entertainment was provided by singers and dancers, such as the Amen Choir and the Champagne Academy of Irish Dance, in the library’s Whipple Auditorium. Czech Heritage Foundation board members provided information about college scholarships, Homestay and other programs, as well as its newsletter and publications, for visitors who stopped at the group’s table.

Given that the library is among the many resources closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic, we are reminded of the importance of libraries everywhere in expanding our world through events such as these.
– Cindy Hadish, Czech Heritage Foundation, Communications & Outreach chair