Around the turn of the century, a group of Czechoslovakian pioneers took part in the Oklahoma Land Run and settled in an area they called Prague in remembrance of their homeland.

In looking for a way to celebrate the town’s 50th birthday (May, 1952), a festival was planned. It was only natural to use a Czech theme for the celebration. Knowing that everyone loved the delicious Czech pastries, it was decided to name the festival after a favorite fruit filled sweet roll, the Kolache.

The first Kolache Festival, May 19-21, 1951 was a dress rehearsal for the Golden Anniversary. It was a huge success, and a yearly celebration took place through 1955 when a 10 year lapse occurred. The annual celebration once again started in 1965 and has continued to be one of the top festivals in Oklahoma.

The celebration is held the first Saturday in May and attracts some 25,000 to 30,000 people to this unique town of 2,300.

People in the community must start baking kolaches months in advance to prepare for the festival.  It is estimated that some 50,000 kolaches are consumed by the residents and visitors alike during festivities.  A contest to determine the best homemade kolaches, bread and wine is held in conjunction with the festival.

An arts and crafts show is set up in the BancFirst parking area and opens at 9:00 a.m. An amusement carnival is based on the southeast edge of the park with rides and games for all ages.

At 11:00 a.m. one of Oklahoma’s largest parades starts at the south edge of town and makes its way through downtown Prague ending at the west edge of town. Residents dressed in colorful and brightly decorated Czech costumes can be seen along the parade route. Floats, bands, horses, and clowns make up the two-hour parade.

Free entertainment ranging from singers, dancers, bands, and gymnasts, are guaranteed to please the curiosity of all. Entertainers may be seen at open grandstands, in the park, and strolling through the streets.

Food and souvenir booths line either side of Main Street. Visitors can feast on the locally made smoked Czech sausages, klobase, as well as satisfy their sweet tooth with their favorite flavor kolache. Other ethnic foods such as Indian tacos, and Polish hot dogs can also be found on the food route.

A Czech costume parade plus Czech Folk dancers add an array of color to the festival and bring out the heritage of our first settlers.

The crowning of the Kolache Festival Royalty, at 6:00 p.m. is one of the highlights of a full day of fun.  At 7:00 p.m. the new queen customarily starts off the famous polka street dance that continues until 10:00 p.m.

The festival closes off with a fireworks display at 10:00 p.m.