Don Pleshek started the Bohemian Fest Parade in the town of Waukechon three years ago.
He was born and raised in Shawano, graduating from Shawano High School. He was in the Army for two years, but most of his life was spent working for his dad and mom, Bernard “Buck” and Sally Pleshek, at Pleshek’s Pavilion in the town of Waukechon. He tended bar and helped take care of the meat locker until freezers became a common household item. He was also a substitute mail carrier for 12 years.
After his parents died, Pleshek ran the family business for two years before selling it in 1997.
Pleshek built a house a short distance from the dance hall on 110 acres he purchased in 1960. Pleshek has two sons and four grandchildren. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed playing cards.
Q How did the parade get started?
A “I can remember Bohemian Days. I’m going to be 80 years old. Several years ago, a whole weekend was Bohemian. There were lots of Bohemian Catholics in the neighborhood. A lot of people came with horses and wagons. There weren’t that many cars. It was where the dance hall is. I mentioned about it, and a lot of younger people didn’t know about it, and they offered to chip in.”
Q What has the parade been like?
A “It’s just a short parade. 4-H is getting into it. Every year, there’s a little more interest. Young guys bring their farm tractors. A lot of them restore old John Deere tractors. The parade is led by the colors by the AMVETS. Every year, they wait for it. After the parade, people go to the Blue Moon and the dance hall (The Deer Camp & Pavilion).”
Q Why did you decide to start the parade again?
A “Just because I could remember it from years ago and people had so much fun. Everybody is welcome to come. You don’t have to live here. The more the merrier.”
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