The Kolache Festival has included a Kolache Queen every year of the festival since 1951 and in later years included a Princess, Prince and Junior Queen. Over the years, the process to select a Kolache Queen has changed, but the tradition continues. Although our festival is based upon our Czech heritage, the eligibility to be a candidate is to attend the Prague Public School system. Prague has had hundreds of Queen candidates since 1951.

1951-1955 The first Queen was Kathryn Walenta Blocker. In the 50’s, the winner was privileged as the one with the total of penny count votes from money collected from jars placed all over town or collected in other means. There wasn’t a pageant and each candidate was sponsored by a business in town. The costumes worn were very simple, yet beautiful. The Kolache Queen did not win anything extra as Queen – just the privilege and honor of being Queen of our hometown Kolache Festival. The expectations of the Kolache Queen included a “thank you” speech and riding in a parade on Kolache Day.

1965-1979 The 60’s & 70’s provided a change in the selection of the Kolache Queen. In the 1960’s the first pageant was held to determine the Queen and still continues today. Each candidate participated in an interview with the judges, modeled their kroj and performed a talent.  The pageant was held in the old Prague High School gym on the Saturday prior to the Kolache Festival. The Queen won the title and a large trophy.

1980-1989 Kolache Queens in the 80’s were required to perform a choreographed dance routine as a group in addition to the other categories previously required.  The Queens that are of Czech heritage began competing at the National Miss Czech Slovak Pageant in Wilber, Nebraska.

1990-1999 Queen candidates continued to compete in the same categories as before, but were now required to model an evening gown. The Queen won a $500 college scholarship, crown, sash, trophy and many gift certificates from businesses in town. The 1991 Kolache Queen, Stephanie Goodnight Lee, represented Prague at the National Miss Czech Slovak USA pageant and was crowned Miss Czech-Slovak USA. The only other Kolache Queen to place at that time was Marria Pratka Brydon in 1996 when she won 1st Runner-Up. The Kolache Royalty grew to include Prince and Princess for the first time in 1993.

2000-2014 At the turn of the century, many traditions continued but one change was the addition of a Junior Queen. The scholarship for the Queen increased to $1,000 and the evening gown competition was eliminated from the pageant. The expectations of the Queen expanded to include appearances on TV as well as radio stations to promote the Kolache Festival.

2017-2018 The 2011 Kolache Queen and 2016-2017 Oklahoma Czech Slovak Queen Madeline Hecker won the title of Miss Czech Slovak US 2017-2018.  

The prize package being awarded is approximately $1,500 including the college scholarship for the Queen. Over the years, there were many changes but the heart of the festival is the same. We are proud to have the youth of our community represent our town across the state at various events.  Many thanks to the past Kolache Queens that assisted in providing their feedback to us.