Organizers pleased with Lincolnville Octoberfest
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Organizers of Lincolnville Octoberfest were pleased with the town's annual fall celebration. Dawn Chizek, who announced events throughout the day, was happy with the turn out.
"The carnival was a huge success," she said, "and there were more arts and crafts than ever."
The outcome was somewhat in doubt early Saturday morning as temperatures dropped to the mid-30s, the coolest of the fall season. However, that didn't deter people from turning out in large numbers. Many were in short sleeves by noon as temperatures warmed into the 60s.
At least 100 people enjoyed a pancake breakfast sponsored by Pilsen State Bank.
"It definitely was nice and warm in the firehouse," said bank employee Debbie Gillett.
Bank president Kurt Spachek was gratified at the good turnout.
"We had many more people than the year before," he said.
The breakfast was a fund-raiser for Marion County Fire District #5 stationed at Lincolnville. According to fire chief Lester Kaiser, more than $290 was raised and will be added to a fund for purchase of a thermal-imaging camera.
A dozen people participated in the fishing tournament held at Chizek Farm Pond. Pat Love won $30 and a trophy for catching the biggest fish, a 25-inch channel catfish. Jared Diepenbrock and Chase Spindler tied as winners in the age 9-12 division. Each caught a 17-inch bass.
In the 13- to 16-year-old division, Stefan Henkel won a trophy for snagging an eight-inch blue gill. Jackie Gage Jr. won the open division with a six-inch catch.
The 11 a.m. parade featured 37 entries including fire departments from Lincolnville/Clear Creek, Blaine/Clark at Tampa, and Lost Springs.
Three members of the Centre Boy Scouts troop provided a color guard. They were Charles Stuchlik, Timothy Stuchlik, and Caleb Kristek.
Evelyn Matz was grand marshal. Matz is active in Lincolnville senior citizens' organization and was instrumental in acquiring Friendship House, a meeting place for seniors.
Float winners were: first, Lincolnville Core Community Building Committee; second, Santa Fe Trails; third, Shelly Oswald's Little Feet Day Care.
Entertainment
Entertainment at the park got underway mid-morning. Many interesting arts-and-crafts booths were available. Hope High School Dance Team and Abilene Old West Gun Fighters performed. Foot-tapping musical entertainment was provided by the traditional Alex Stuchlik Polka Band and Maurice Pritz and Friends.
Children enjoyed an afternoon carnival, including a small carousel and several bubble rides. They also played games.
The medallion was found by Michael Antoszyk of Ramona, who won a $50 savings bond donated by Tampa State Bank.
Barbara Hartley placed first in the talent contest and received $30 and a trophy. The $20 second-place prize went to Ryan Olsen Experience, a group of four middle school students who also received a trophy and were a hit among the youngsters.
Hula-hoop contestants paid 50 cents to compete with a partner. The six finalists competed in a finale at 3:30 p.m. It was won by 11-year-old Kody Brooks, who received an AM-FM TV.
Brandon Hurt was winner of the gas barbecue grill, given away in a drawing.
Lincolnville United Methodist Church provided a noon meal. Other food items were available in booths throughout the park. The Daily Grind Coffeehouse of Marion sold beverages, snacks, and sandwiches.
Jane Pigorsch, city clerk and co-sparkplug for the building project, was "well-satisfied" with the turnout for the fund-raiser evening meal. She said masonry tile sales for personalization, at $50 a piece, also were good. The tiles will be placed around the main entrance to the new building.
The day was capped with an evening street dance, which organizers say was attended mainly by youngsters and a few adults, but "everybody had a good time."
Karen Hurt, Octoberfest chairman, thought the day went beautifully.
"The vendors were happy with their sales, and we had a lot of community support," she said.
In addition to Chizek and Hurt, committee members were Kristin Ebaben, Lisa Casterline, Desi Casterline, Dawn Kaiser, Gail Burns, and Joe Vinduska.
