BUCYRUS — German music by Ken and Mary filled the air as people gathered for the Boyd Long Opening Ceremony of the 52nd Annual Bratwurst Festival in downtown Bucyrus.
In keeping with this year’s theme of Brattie Salutes the Veterans, several local veterans were honored during the hour-long event at the Wyandot Mutual Insurance Stage on West Rensselaer Street.
U.S. Army veteran Jody Ditmars came to the opening ceremony and will be participating in two of the three festival parades with her fellow veterans.
“I think it’s awesome that we are being honored during the festival. I was stationed in Germany from February of 1988 to July of 1989 so every time I come to the festival, it brings me back to that time I spent there,” said Ditmars, who comes from a family with several veterans. “My son, Austin Ditmars, just enlisted in the Army three weeks ago.”
The ceremony began with 2018 Bratwurst Festival Queen Emily Rudd welcoming everyone, including Grand Parade Marshall and U.S. Marine veteran Trent Cornell.
He said he left for San Diego, California, for basic training on the first day of the very first Bratwurst Festival in 1967.
“They ran out of room for the east coast, so we were sent to California and gained the nickname, the Hollywood Marines. It was definitely not like you see in a movie,” said Cornell with a smile.
Cornell said it is fine to thank veterans for their service and for helping to keep us free.
Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser welcomed everyone to the city and its famous festival.
“I want to welcome you to the best festival in Ohio,” Reser said before thanking all the veterans present for their service.
He said he is excited for the city to celebrate its bicentennial in two years and that the city council and administration are working on becoming the best partners possible with the Bratwurst Festival Board of Directors.
“I also want to invite everyone down to city hall to the art show. It is unbelievable this year,” Reser said.
State Representative Riordan McClain presented a plaque to the family of First Lieutenant Harry Linn Martin who was a United States Marine Corps officer from Bucyrus. He posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions on Iwo Jima on March 26, 1945.
McClain announced to roaring applause from the audience that the first piece of legislation he was able to get passed by the Ohio General Assembly is to dedicate the portion of U.S. 30 around Bucyrus as the Harry L. Martin Highway.
He also honored grand parade marshal Cornell with a plaque.
“You have given back far more than you have gleaned,” McClain said to Cornell.
Pat McCauley of Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague’s office presented a proclamation to Bratwurst Festival Board President Amanda Myers and Bratwurst Festival Director Larry West saluting all the volunteers who help to put on one of the best festivals in the state of Ohio.
“We want to thank the festival for honoring our veterans for what they do and have done for our country,” McCauley said.
Bratwurst Festival Assistant Director Kevin Myers thanked all the volunteers and corporate sponsors before calling upon Doug Foght, grandson of Boyd Long, to run the ceremonial first bratwurst sandwich from the midway to the stage.
Myer said Long served in the Navy and was a janitor at Bucyrus High School.
“He brought the first bratwurst to this stage for 47 years. Upon his passing, his son, Boyd Long Jr., took on the tradition the first year then turned it over to Boyd’s grandson, Doug Foght, who is wearing with pride this year, his grandfather’s vest and the button number of his grandfather. He is also wearing his Navy hat,” Myers said.
In keeping with the tradition of the previous year’s queen, Rudd took the first bite of the sandwich and the festival was officially opened. It will run through Saturday night.