Houby Days Events Sponsored by the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

In the Czech Republic and in Slovakia “houby” means mushrooms and “funny nonsense.” It’s short for a colloquial expression: “mushroom with vinegar turn sour” (meaning “pretty obvious”). This year’s 34th Annual Houby Days is sure to stir up some fun and pretty obvious enjoyment as Czech Village and New Bohemia roll out the mushrooms, music, food, dancing, exhibits, tours and other events for the entire family.

Houby Days continues for three days beginning Friday, May 13 and will kick-off with the Taste of Czech & Slovak at St. Ludmila Catholic Church Social Hall from 5-7 p.m. For $10 guests receive twelve samples of old world cooking including jiternice, gulas, cerna kuba, kolace and chocolate sauerkraut cookies. Beer sampling of two of the Czech Republics’s most popular brews is also featured. Tickets are sold at the door.

At 7 p.m. Czech jazz musician and composer George Grosman performs at Gatherings, 905 Third St. SE. His appearance will feature swing, gypsy jazz and Klezmer music. There is no charge to enjoy this threehour performance. Co-sponsored by Gatherings and the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids Iowa.