Clydesdales Parade through Czech Village

The Budweiser Clydesdales return to Cedar Rapids, Iowa after nearly 30 years. This time the six horse team pulled the King of Beers wagon through Czech Village, across the Cedar River and finally stopping at the new restaurant, Capones. 

Hundreds of people lined the nearly 100 degree street to witness the brief parade. Hey, what else do we have to do in this hot and humid summer weather?

Bennie, an eight-month old Mountain something breed was the hit of the pre-parade. He made friends quickly and did not harass the horses.

At the end of the parade, a special clean-up vehicle made frequent stops to keep Czech Village tidy. Had the tavern owners along this street obtained permission to sell beer outside, the weather and the horses would have made the case an easy sell. Know that.

Sykora Bakery Construction Continues

Iconic Sykora Bakery in Czech Village, Cedar Rapids, Iowa continues towards opening its doors soon. Amish carpenters recently finished installing the two-story façade and other gingerbread details to the front of the store. Construction progresses within the building on the bakery production area and on the retail area for over the counter purchases and snack areas. Other Czech Village businesses continue to recover. Yesterday (St. Valentine’s Day) the antique store across the street from Sykora opened for the first time since the June 2008 flood. Another nearby restaurant is expected to open soon too, joining a small, yet growing number of post-flood businesses returning to Cedar Rapids. Soon the smell of kolaches and bread will fill the neighborhood atmosphere. Know that.

Sykora Bakery Takes Shape in Czech Village

Cedar Rapids icon, Sykora Bakery in Czech Village is being rebuilt to incorporate its original design with a few new additions following the June 2008 flood of the Cedar River that flows one block away. The business had been closed for two years while the new owners remodeled the century old building. June's flood sent eight feet of water and mud into the building but spared the destruction of the massive oven located in the back of the building. Other Czech Village businesses; Ernie's, C.J's, Novak's, and the Red Frog have all opened recently signalling the return of some normalcy to the highly visited area. The anticipated re-opening of Sykora's will do much to show that the city's most recognised landmarks are once again open for business. Know that.