By Gary Ogle
gogle@wbcowqel.com
The 47th Annual Bratwurst Festival opened in Bucyrus on Thursday amidst some royal tears, fond memories and a familiar face carrying the first bratwurst.
Amid all the fanfare of the opening ceremonies complete with the requisite thank-yous were farewell speeches by 2013 Queen Courtney Walsh and her court. As each recalled what representing the community and the festival meant to them, each in turn struggled through tears to express their gratitude as they identified themselves for the last time as members of the 2013 court.
First Runner-Up Kaiden Wilson brought a little levity to her emotional speech when she said through tears, “I’m the happiest person in the world right now.”
Bucyrus Tourism and Visitors Bureau Director Barb Glowaski revealed the winners of the downtown merchants’ window decorating contest. Third place went to MB Subculture, second to New Days Ministries Outreach Center and first place went to Little Stars Daycare.
Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser predicted this year’s festival is “destined to be the best ever.”
Festival Director Deb Mason announced that there will be two honorary parade grand marshals this year: the families of the late Mayor Roger Moore and local radio and television personality Joy Tarbert who also died just this year.
“He was a great man,” Mason said of Moore. “He was my go-to guy. He was our annual Bratwurst Festival stein auctioneer.”
Mason noted Tarbert was a founding member of the Ohio Special Olympics and a member of the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame.
“Her warm personality and quick wit will be missed.”
For the 44th year it was Boyd Long who trotted up to the stage to serve the festival’s first “official” bratwurst to the outgoing royalty.
FRIDAY’S BRATWURST FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
FC BANK STAGE
TBA Bonfiglio & Sloan
8:00 p.m. DeVault Ridge
9:30 p.m. Aaron Tippin
CENTURY LINK STAGE
1:00 p.m. Pizza Eating Contest
3:00 p.m. Crème Puff Eating Contest
5:00 p.m. Rooster 8:00 p.m.
John Kennedy Band
GERMAN HERITAGE CENTER
1:00 p.m. Ken and Mary
2:00 p.m. Mike and Larry
3:00 p.m. Richard Wiener
4:00 p.m. Dancing Grannies
5:00 p.m. Ken and Mary