Donald Teuma-Castelletti
LADYSMITH Sept. 28-30, 2018
Traditional German activities and culture ran rampant through Ladysmith last weekend, but not before two retired volunteers were celebrated and presented with a bench dedicated in their honour.
Randall and Marguerite Born have been helping run successful Oktoberfest weekends for a combined 14 years, taking a step back this year for the 33rd party.
“They managed the kitchen and the inside canteen for many years,” said Lorraine Bretzlaff, president of the Oktoberfest board, at the opening ceremony. “Their dedication and countless hours of volunteering over the years on the board of directors is very much appreciated.”
With their retirement, three new directors have joined the board, amongst the many volunteers that help the weekend run smoothly. Everyone received a shout out for their tireless efforts Friday evening, when Valley Heritage Radio’s Gerry Bimm returned once again as the emcee.

“Give a standing ovation to all the volunteers that make this weekend possible,” said Bimm. “Raise your glasses and let them know you appreciate them.”
Providing quick commentary, his one-liners kept the crowd in jovial spirits as the board and local politicians thanked everyone for their continued support.
“We put the word out that we’re looking for people that are forthright, honest and trustworthy,” said Bimm, introducing the next speakers. “Unfortunately, all we could find were some politicians, but we’re happy to have them.”
Pontiac MP Will Amos and MNA André Fortin then took their turns at the stage, thanking those who attend for joining the festivities once again.
“I know you don’t want a politician to get between you, the bar, and the dance floor so I’m not going to stay [up] here very long,” said Amos.
Friday night continued with the Ottawa Valley’s own Roadhouse band, who played right through till the bar closed at 1 a.m. Reg Carkner and Shane Presley opened the evening’s entertainment, hitting the stage at 6 p.m.
Saturday continued with the ever-popular horseshoe tournament in the morning, before the truck and tractor pull dominated the afternoon’s outdoor entertainment. Inside the hall, the Kyle Felhaver Band performed their classics, while members of the Ottawa Valley Step Dancers hit the stage periodically.
Music continued with Ransom hitting the stage at 4:30 p.m., before the Capital Beatles took over at nine, playing the best of those Liverpool lads’ tunes.
“It’s a little different,” said Bretzlaff, of the Beatles tribute band. “We’re just trying to attract maybe a different crowd of people, a different mindset for music. We try to alternate from Friday night to Saturday night to different age groups.”
Sunday saw much more fun, as the parade ran at noon alongside the giant vegetable competition, before the traditional German music of the Ottawa Rube Band began at 1 p.m. The afternoon was privy to their ensemble, spliced with the amazing talents of the Maple Leaf-Almrausch Schuhplattler Bavarian dancers throughout.
“It’s been a great success and this is 33 years of great successes, so we’re doing something right,” said Bretzlaff.

Competition winners

Agriculture
Biggest Pumpkin – Earl Potvin, 350 lbs.
Biggest Squash – Doug Hodgins, 304 lbs.
Biggest Pumpkin (Kids’) – Amy Sheppard, 240 lbs.
Biggest Squash (Kids’) – Camryn Sheppard, 232 lbs.
Biggest Zucchini – Jen Milke

Parade
Best Car – Benny Beauchamp’s Road Runner
Best Truck – Wayne O’Malley’s 1947 International
Best Entry – The MacKechnie’s Hearse with Pall Bearers

With files from Caleb Nickerson