Worlds Largest Kolach
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.



