Odessa ready for 46th Deutschesfest

Are you a friend of Fest mascot Hilda? Have you heard? Hilda, the new Fest mascot, has her very own Deutschesfest T-shirt. But supplies are limited. You’ll have to scurry if you want one. Experience Quilts has them, and the proceeds go to the Chamber’s marketing efforts.

Hilda has not been traveling lately. She has stayed right here at home to oversee the last-minute preparations for the Fest.

The Chamber-sponsored bench-decorating contest has resulted in some fabulous looking benches scattered throughout the downtown area. The entry deadline was Wednesday. Three prizes will be awarded, a President’s Award (selected by Chamber president Zach Schafer), a Member’s Award (selected by a vote of the Chamber membership via email) and a People’s Choice Award (to be voted on by the community at large and visitors to Fest). The first two awards will be announced following the Thursday night bed races, and the People’s Choice will be announced in the Biergarten Sunday evening. The prizes in the contest are Chamber Bucks which can be spent at any participating Odessa business.

There are still some spots open for those wanting to work as servers in the Biergarten, and the shuttle bus needs a few more volunteer drivers so that shift lengths can be reduced. No special license is required to drive the bus, just a valid driver license. Contact Zach Schafer at 509-279-9870 to volunteer as a driver. Those wanting to volunteer in the Biergarten may contact Sandy Libsack via email at sandy@agventuresnw.com.

Don’t forget to catch the talent show on the outdoor stage Saturday afternoon. This is a new Fest event.

The Kid Zone, new to Fest this year, will be available on the grassy field next to the playground at Reiman Park. The Odessa Town Council agreed to block off parking areas around the field so that the Kid Zone would have an adequate safety area and plenty of room to operate.

The Kid Zone will contain a bounce house, a pool and water balls from NW Inflatables and many other activities. The entry fee is $10 for a wristband allowing a child to participate in all activities offered for as long as they wish to stay. The venue will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday only.

The Kid Zone’s restriction of free camper parking for some visitors to Fest has resulted in vociferous objections by some RVers and also by some tent residents. According to reports from last year, however, only one tent used that particular field last year. The main part of

Reiman Park has plenty of room for additional tents. RV owners also have other options at Finney Field.

The town and Chamber of Commerce have made a great effort this year to bring more kid-friendly activities to Fest, something that has been requested by many visitors and townspeople. Following discussion at Monday night’s town council meeting and discussion with Kid Zone chairperson Jennifer Martin the next day, a compromise was reached, and more of the area surrounding the field was freed up for campers to park.