One hundred and thirty years of progress and history have passed since the tiny community of Clarkson was established in 1886. Although there have been vast changes in the way it looks, the services offered and the environment, visitors will find Clarkson to be very similar in many ways to pioneer times. Clarkson is a religious community with Catholics and Protestants fairly even in number. The values of days gone by are still held in esteem and the old rule of "honesty being the best policy" is still being followed. Trust in neighbors and helping each other in their time of need. ​ Have a good time, enjoy the dancing and singing, fill your tummy with some of the great-tasting, old-fashioned Czech food and in general, enjoy our 55th Annual Czech Festival. Don't be alarmed if "Vitame Vas" is heard here and there, for it means, "WE WELCOME YOU!"