Preliminary results show that the 50th Annual Sauerkraut Festival held in Bear Creek last weekend was a huge success.
Raffle committee chairperson Bill Klegin said Monday; they exceeded their expectations for the automobile raffle.
“At first we didn’t know if we would sell enough tickets to come out ahead,” he said. After an initial tally Sunday night, things looked to be in good shape.
“We really had a nice turnout, all three days,” said Klegin. “We’d like to thank everyone that came out and supported us.”
Event chairperson Barb Havnen reported Monday, “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the 50th Anniversary Celebration. It was everything we expected and more.”
Perhaps the happiest of all, are Ron and Tracy Zimmerman of rural New London, who won the grand prize — a 2014 Toyota Camry. The raffle drawing took place at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Many attended the annual Sauerkraut Dinner Sunday, and enjoyed the special displays highlighting the history of this 50-year family event in Bear Creek.
The parade Sunday afternoon was a huge hit with the kids who gathered up bagfuls of candy tossed from the more than 40 parade entries.
Parade co-chair Mary Ann Rohan reported that past Sauerkraut Queens and court members were invited to attend this year’s event as quests of honor. “About 48 or 49 past court members from 1965 to 1988 attended and rode in the parade,” she said.
Two traveled here from out of state to attend the event.
Judy Paul (Jones) traveled all the way from Delaware, and Linda Peters traveled from Florida to attend.
“They were all very excited to come back and visit and see everyone,” she said. “It made it all worth it.”
“We’re thankful for the all the volunteers and generous sponsors who help make this event possible every year,” added Havnen.