More Fest to savor til next year

Cont. from last week

Although Saturday morning's weather was a bit of a downer for the folks in the parade, as well as for those watching, the event went on as scheduled, and the spectators took their places on the sidewalks to applaud the participants.

Tim Coley and Gordon Neale, former Odessa residents and still members of the Oom Pas and Mas polka band, were the announcers for the parade and kept the downtown crowd entertained with their banter.

The rain at parade time was unfortunate, but the power outage following fires on two power poles in town (not outside of town, as we reported incorrectly last week) really made nearly every food vendor scramble in order to keep serving their customers. Soon enough, however, the fires were put out, the power came back on and the skies cleared for an afternoon of fine Deutschesfest fun.

The Kid Zone at Reiman Park, a new event this year and one that the Odessa Chamber hopes to continue, was very successful with 120 kids enjoying the activities provided. A $10 wrist band allowed them access to every activity in the zone for as many times as they wanted to participate. Many parents expressed gratitude for the venue and the low cost to participate.

Jennifer Martin, chairman for the Kid Zone, was happy with the outcome and vowed to begin fundraising efforts for next year as soon as possible. Helping Martin was Merleen Smith, who called around for a cadre of volunteers to help sell tickets, attach wristbands and oversee the activities. Lisa Martin, Leslie Fink, Ron Jantz, Mark Squire and Kerry Scheller were those volunteers and their help was crucial to the success of the Kid Zone.

Another first this year was the talent show on the outdoor stage. There were only four contestants this year, but organizers hope that the event will grow in popularity.

Jon Hayashi acted as the emcee for the talent show which was judged by Mark Squire, Peggy DeWulf and Lisa Martin. Three of the acts were musical performances and the fourth was a demonstration of well-trained dog. Rebecca Fortner sang a Dolly Parton song "Jolene," the Hayashi sisters (Elizabeth, Sarah and Anna) sang a religious song and Kameron Martin sang a song of his own composition and dedicated it to his mom, while also accompanying himself on the guitar. Victoria Peterson choreographed a routine and then put her shepherd mix through its paces on the stage.

The judges awarded first place to Martin and second place to Fortner. The audience, which had already gathered to hear the Oom Pas and Mas who preceded the talent show, was more than glad to stay in place and watch the talent contest. They appeared to enjoy all of the acts and gave hearty applause to all the performers.

The morning's blustery wind and rain did not bode well for the electrical equipment of the band sponsored by Nate Lathrop and Rolling Thunder Pizza. Therefore, plans were changed to provide a DJ inside the former Rolling Thunder (and current Green Goat Gathering Gallery). According to Lathrop, "The kids really liked it for sure, and we will try again for next year."

The Biergarten figures have not all been totaled yet, but chairman Marcus Horak said that it was a "nice, easy Fest" from the standpoint of behavior on the part of revelers. "The people were great," he said, "and very well mannered." There were no fights or altercations of any kind inside the Biergarten, he said. Horak and his assistant chairperson Miranda Taylor (last year's chairperson) were happy to report that things went smoothly. The Biergarten sold about 100 kegs worth of beer, but there were no separate figures for wine coolers, wine or soft drinks.

Approximately $300 in tips that could have been collected by servers in the Biergarten were instead donated back to the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. Horak said he would suggest to the Chamber that those funds go toward next year's Kid Zone activities.

In the past, various business people, some retired, some not, have volunteered to commit two years to volunteering at the Biergarten. The first year was spent as an assistant to the chairperson and was followed by a stint as chairman the next year. The last few years have seen a distinct lack of interest in becoming the Biergarten chairperson. Many folks have already "done their time" as it were and have no interest in repeating it. But if the Fest is to continue to benefit the Odessa community, someone will have to step up and take the reins. Anyone who is interested in the challenge is asked to contact a Chamber member. The Chamber's next meeting is October 11 at noon at Any Occasion Banquet Hall.

Sunday night of Deutschesfest is unofficially known as locals' night, i.e. when local residents celebrate the conclusion of another successful Fest and toast the Biergarten chairperson for his or her efforts. This year was no different except for the fact that the Biergarten chairperson had to miss out. At some point over the weekend, Horak suffered a spider bite on his ankle. It swelled up over about a six-inch stretch along his ankle and turn bright red and very warm to the touch. He spent time in the Odessa hospital emergency room in the early hours of Sunday morning. After being released and getting some sleep, he returned to his duties in the Biergarten, only to develop a fever as evening approached. Others insisted he go home and rest, which is what he did. Biergarten patrons continued to party without him, disappointed that they were unable to toast him in person but understanding full well that his health was far more important. We are happy to report that he has recovered fully and had no lasting aftereffects from the bite.