OLDS — Oldstoberfest Week is over for another year.
This year’s edition was rather unique.
Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, there was no rodeo.
However, Bavarian-themed celebrations continued in a limited way during the week, which ran from Sept. 23-26.
The theme was Can’t Stop The Bavarian Spirit.
Events officially kicked off with the annual tapping of the keg.
Other activities include colouring contests and a community business scavanger hunt during which participants could win an ultimate Oldstoberfest prize package.
On Sept. 26, a free drive-thru pancake breakfast was held at the Olds Regional Exhibition (ORE) grounds.
On Sept. 23, mayor Michael Muzychka tapped a spigot into a beer keg in the outdoor patio in front of the Just Jacks bar and restaurant in the Pomeroy Inn & Suites, the rodeo’s title sponsor.
Representatives of C5 Rodeo gathered for the ceremony along several representatives of Olds College and the Town of Olds, all of whom partner to stage the event. Miss Rodeo Canada, Alicia Erickson; was also on hand, as well as Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper.
“As many of us know, COVID-19 has just ruined most of 2020 but we wanted to keep Oldstoberfest and the Bavarian spirit alive,” said Gillian Grant of C5 rodeo, the main organizer of the event.
“We really care about this community and everyone who’s involved with this event has just been amazing to work with year to year.”
She said proceeds from the sale of a beer, Cowboy Down, which is brewed at Olds College will be donated to the Rotary Club of Olds.
On behalf of the community, Muzychka presented a gift to C5 Rodeo founder Vern McDonald.
“The support that you’ve given to this community and to this program over the years has been just phenomenal,” Muzychka said. “We’ve seen it blossom into a cornerstone in our community.
“And we’re absolutely thrilled that you saw the potential in our little town and have supported it unwaveringly since the beginning.”
McDonald reacted humbly to the praise and the gift.
“I just like rodeo and this is kind of my second rodeo and I met a lady. At that time she was called Gillian Shields and she hired me to come here,” he said.
“I kind of told her I need a rodeo really bad and I said, ‘if you don’t make any money you don’t need to pay me,’” he added, sparking light laughter.
“When I got here I really liked Olds and I worked with the ORE board and that’s how it all came together.”
McDonald played down his role in organizing Oldstoberfest saying Grant does all the work.
“She’s actually the boss,” he said, sparking loud laughter.
