By: Gerald and Bettty Paes

January 30, 2005

In 1987 the Village of Prague, Nebraska celebrated its centennial in true Czech fashion. We had a parade, several bands (playing Czech music), a street dance, and we decided, as a community, to build the world's largest Kolach. Our first attempt was fired in a home made oven on a home made pan. Propane gas fed from a delivery truck through a series of perforated pipes provided the heat. The Kolach was formed using dough made by our master chefs. When it was ready (according to the master chefs) cherry pie filling was added to fill out the Kolach. The Kolach was checked from time to time by members of the Prague Volunteer Fire Dept. in full bunker gear and air packs. With brand new pitch forks, they checked the crust to see if it was done. When it was finished baking, it was removed from the oven and taken to the local grain elevator and weighed. It's weight was 2,605 pounds. The Kolach was then cut into pieces and given to one and all to consume.

Our first attempt was a huge success but of course the record had to be broken. In 1992 for our 105th anniversary, we set out to do it again, only bigger and hopefully better. Our master chefs rolled up their sleeves and got to work. The town's Fire Fighters again donned their bunker gear, and (with new pitch forks) checked the crust. When it was finished baking, it was removed from the oven and taken to the elevator. It's weight was 5,200 pounds. We had beaten our previous record. Again the Kolach was cut into pieces and given to one and all. All that remains of the Kolach in Prague today is the pride and the pan on which the Kolach was baked. Post cards like the one pictured are available in various Prague businesses.