Czhilispiel Board
Dawn Wulf - President
Czhilispiel has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, from being crowned Little Miss Czhilispiel to helping run the cook-offs, serving on the Board of Directors and now proudly leading as President. Growing up in Flatonia, Czhilispiel has always symbolized the heart and spirit of our small town. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a tradition that brings people together, celebrates our heritage and supports our community. I stay involved because I believe in giving back, and through Czhilispiel, we’re able to provide scholarships, meet local needs, and make a lasting impact. It’s an honor to be part of something that has shaped who I am and continues to make Flatonia a special place to live.
Ty Ponder - Vice President
The reason I love and want to improve Czhilispiel is that it’s been a long part of my life before I was even born. My grandfather, Edwin Zapalac, was one of the founding members of Czhilispiel, and my mother, Beverly Ponder, was the Chamber Director behind the festival for nearly 12 years and almost every member of my family has taken part in putting it on throughout the years. So as the next generation to take the reins, I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m confident that year over year us here on the Czhilispiel board and committee can make it bigger and better, while also not losing our roots of small town feel and family time well spent together over a pivo!
OPEN - Secretary
Jeff Brazill - Treasurer
Jeff’s first experienced Czhilispiel in 2008 and immediately became hooked. Over the years he’s competed in the 5K, made several attempts at the Margarita Contest (along with “testing” various recipes along the way), kept the food vendors and beer crew busy and always enjoyed the event with his friends and family.
Since being on the board, Jeff has introduced credit card capabilities to Czhilispiel patrons to buy beer, food, WAGs merch and gate passes, consolidated our event registrations to a central platform for better event and financial management and also grown the Czhilispiel 5K Run/Walk with his wife, Stephanie Brazill, into an amazing event to kick off Czhilispiel Saturday.
Leisha Kolb - At Large
Leisha Siegel-Kolb and her family made Flatonia their home in 2001 to be closer to relatives and quickly fell in love with the community.
Since 2002, Leisha has been actively involved in the Czhilispiel Festival, including ten years as the Miss Czhilispiel Pageant Director from 2011 to 2021.
Leisha has proudly served numerous terms on the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since 2015. Over the years, Leisha has invested her time and talents in getting to know the people of Flatonia and is proud of both the community and the local school district.
Leisha’s heart is in helping Flatonia grow as a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Belinda Richter - At Large
Czhilispiel is the celebration I always think of when it comes to family. You always see people that has left our community to pursue their careers but will return for our hometown community annual celebration. I have attended every Czhilispiel and always have been involved one way or another. It brings friends back together to come have fun and support our community. Czhilispiel has made an impact and has put our little community on the map. Joining the Czhilispiel board this year will give me an opportunity to continue to serve our community.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us.
flatoniatxchamber@gmail.com
(361) 865-3920
PO Box 610
Flatonia, TX 78941