Fest preparations get into high gear

Preparations for Deutschesfest 2012 are well underway. Odessa’s royalty, Miss Odessa Kendall Todd and Princesses Koralynne Kuch and Melani Fehrer, have been visiting parades and events around the area, promoting the Fest and making sure that people wherever they go are well versed in the “Chicken Dance.”

Chamber members have been busy repairing, painting and constructing tables and benches for use in the Biergarten, as well as upgrading the outdoor sound system for playing music downtown. The various committees and non-profit organizations in town have been working on making pickles, sauerkraut, kraut ranzas, kuchen and all the other great things that people come to Odessa for during Fest.

The outdoor stage is nearing completion, with Lions Club members working feverishly every available evening to put the final touches on it.

As we reported last week, there will be no Youth Garden this year, although another group has taken over the pop booth. Youngsters will still have other fun things to keep them occupied. The Kangaroo Bounce House will be set up behind Wheatland Bank, and a face painter will have a booth in the street fair.

Music

The music schedule for the indoor stage at the Biergarten and for the outdoor stage has been set.

A group called “Old Bear Mountain” will be performing at the Museum on Saturday, as well as on the outdoor stage.

Volkswalk

The Lilac City Volkssport Association of Spokane has added a Volkswalk to Deutschesfest this year.

The walk starts between 8 a.m. and 12 a.m. and finishes at 3 p.m. Both the start and finish are at the Historical Museum parking area at Elm St. and Fourth Avenue..

The walk is either 5K or 10K (3.1 or 6.2 miles). The 5K option is rated 1A. The 10K option is rated 1C and the route takes walkers through the town of Odessa with loops going up to Zion Lutheran Church and a secnd loop on the Crab Creek Trail. There will be a downhill portion of the Zion Lutheran Church loop from the “O” back to Division on a dirt trail that pushes the rating to 1C. Those wishing to do so may return from the “O” to Division by retracing their tracks along the road.

Water and restrooms are available at the start/finish and along the route in town. Pets are not permitted in the buildings. Owners are responsible for complying with leash and cleanup laws.

Organization members wishing to receive credit for the walk will be asked to pay $3.00. Non-members are also welcome, and for them there is no charge. However, all who walk must register, carry and return a start card.

Parade

The theme for this year’s kiddie parade is “Summertime Fun.” As always, the parade starts at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Horseshoe tournament

The Odessa Horseshoe Club will sponsor a day of horseshoe exhibitions and open play beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday only. Signup is from noon to 1 p.m.

Pre-Fest Thursday

The tricycle and bed races will once again kick off the Fest activities on Thursday evening, followed by the opening of the Biergarten by the Oom Pas and Mas. The bed race theme this year is “Totally 80s” and entries are due by August 29 so that shirts can be ordered and delivered in time.

Work parties every night

Under the leadership of the Chamber President and the Biergrten co-chairs, Jennifer Martin and D.J. Buck, the preparations are moving right along. The after-work sessions in the Biergarten and elsewhere about town are bearing fruit.