Spring Fling evokes local nostalgia

ODESSA – This year's Spring Fling has brought back the nostalgia of years past.

The Spring Fling of 1996 was one to remember.

In Jan.1996, the newly formed Lincoln 4-wheelers, a group of 4-wheeler enthusiasts from Lincoln County, proposed a mud derby for the May 4 event.

The Chamber of Commerce organized Best of the Wurst which was a sausage cook off.

There were nine entries in the first annual Best of the Wurst competition of home-made German sausages.

The sausages were subjected to a taste test by both the panel of judges and the town citizens.

In Judge's choice, Mark Smith and Ron Sherwood took first place. Don Shuch won second place.

The fourth annual quilt show at the Odessa Community Center drew 325 visitors. 45% of visitors were from out of town..

Jeanette Smethers of Ephrata was a winner of the single wedding ring quilt in the drawing held on that Saturday afternoon.

Laura Estes and Robyn Haaf gave demonstrations throughout on different quilting techniques.

Mayor's Choice went to Colleen Winfrey of Hermiston, Oregon for her appliqué diamond quilt. Winfrey was a former resident of Odessa.

Mud Bog races were an exciting event that included 4-wheelers plowing through mud.

There were about 40 participants registered.

10 of the entries were from Odessa.

Approximately 160 people were in attendance to view the races.

The Lion's Club had a good turnout for their fish pond. It was estimated that about 143 licenses were sold to young fishermen. Income for the event was an estimated $350-$400.

Police Chief Randy Carlson reported that go-carts were a success.

A petting zoo was a big hit and included llamas, pygmy goats, chickens, pigs, lambs, puppies and a horse.

At the museum a horse show tournament took place.

There were eight players and four teams.

Winners were Bud Reinbold of Davenport and Loren Totusek of Marlin.

At Lakeview Ranch, the Bureau of Land Management held a wild horse adoption. 31 animals were available for adoption and all found new homes.

An added attraction to the event was a nature walk into a selection of Lake Creek Wildlife refuge and Recreation area. This walk was to look at the wildflowers led by BLM biologists Todd Thompson and Ann Aldrich.