Think Pink for Oktoberfest 2013

This year’s Oktoberfest in Lamar was held with more fall-like temperatures and sunny skies on Saturday, October 2, compared to last year’s drizzly chiller.  That made a definite difference in attendance numbers for this year’s Chamber of Commerce festival. 

The annual Toys for Tots Car & Motorcycle Show & Poker Run got off to a 10am start, the same time that vendors and arts and crafts booths opened at the Chamber parking lot.  Bratwurst and sauerkraut went on sale the same time the Lamar FFA held a watermelon feed and subsequent seed spitting contest which was open to all ages. 

The Beers and Brats for Boobies 5K race to benefit SECCI, Southeast Colorado Cancer Initiative, was hard to miss, with runners decked out in pink tee shirts and tutus for those who dared to be different.  Two age groups participated which allowed the over 21 crowd to quaff some beer and eat brats during the race, while the younger crowd settled for root beer to wash down their sausage.  The finish line for the older runners was the beer garden, while the younger crowd ended their journey at the Madonna of the High Plains statue.  Participants had the option of either running or walking on a designated course. 

While a double elimination horseshoe tournament was underway, people could enjoy the beer garden, shop for a bargain or watch the youngsters burn off some calories on the inflatable rides.  Other highlights of the day included music from the Arkansas Valley Wind & Percussion Ensemble, picklebarrel train rides around the area, motorcycle games on East Beech Street, a performance from Wild West Athletics and more music through the afternoon from bands such as JUDI and Second Chance and Little Wing on the Enchanted Forest Stage.

By Russ Baldwin