Octoberfest organizers pleased with day's events
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Beautiful fall weather continued Saturday, with temperatures climbing into the upper 70s as people from around the area traveled to Lincolnville to attend the annual Octoberfest.
More than 20 craft booths were available, in addition to a variety of other vendors. Most reported good sales. A large tent was erected in the park to accommodate the crafters.
Friends of leukemia victim 34-year-old Lisa Hanschu of Ramona sold baked goods, walking tacos, and other items to raise funds for a bone marrow harvest.
Lincolnville United Methodist Church provided a noon meal of grilled hamburgers, baked beans, and pie as a benefit for Corky Bloom of Lincolnville, who may need a lung transplant.
School and community groups also conducted fund-raising activities, and the city of Lincolnville sought volunteers to construct a new community building.
The two-hour fishing tournament at Galen Chizek's pond was a new event this year. About 20 individuals participated. Nick Kleiber, 11, of Tampa, received a certificate for the first fish caught and being first in his age group. Pat Love of Lincolnville won the open division. He caught two fish. Jeff Smith received a certificate for catching the smallest fish.
Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts provided the color guard for the 11 a.m. parade. Centre High School provided a uniformed marching band.
Mary Haefner, 83, a retired elementary school teacher, was the grand marshal. She moved to Lincolnville in 1991, after her husband, Art, was killed in a vehicle accident. They lived in the Lincolnville/Lost Springs area all of their married life.
The 15-minute parade included approximately 20 entries. Dawn Chizek was the announcer. Judges were Paulette Holub, Hesston, Debbie Steele, Pilsen, and Pam Slayden, Lincolnville.
Braden and Garrett Pagenkopf, sons of Brad and Amy Pagenkopf, received first prize. Brad and Amy won second prize, and the 4-H float received third.
In the park, the Alexander Polka Band (formerly Alex Stuchlik Polka Band) played, and five friends joined Maurice Pritz of Lost Springs to provide vocal and guitar music.
Several balloon-type carnival games and a small carousel provided entertainment for the children. They also were treated to a puppet show.
Teams of firemen from Lincolnville and Lost Springs competed in a grueling marathon which included completely suiting up, operating a fire hose, climbing ladders, crawling through a barrel and a maze, and changing air tanks. The Lincolnville firemen won the timed contest.
Karaoke was provided by Steven Seifert of Lost Springs.
The medallion hunt was won by Lance Diepenbrock of Lincolnville. He received a $50 savings bond. Megan Chizek of Lincolnville won the TV and DVD player. Melissa Hendershote of Burdick won the quilt offered by Lincolnville Senior Citizens.
According to Karen Hurt, chairman of the Octoberfest committee, the day went well. She said about 50 people attended the evening dance under the tent in the park.
More than 75 sponsors provided money and prizes for the event.
