Weather doesn’t deter Bratwurst Festival crowd

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BUCYRUS — Much-needed rain on Saturday did not stop the festivities at the 49th annual Bratwurst Festival.

Bands, majorettes, cyclists and queens donning umbrellas while riding on floats made their way down Sandusky Avenue in the afternoon, just as the rain began to fall on the Queen’s Parade.

As the rain slacked off some, the Jessica Hannan Band took the FC Bank stage near Washington Square to open for 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience, who made their appearance about a half hour later than scheduled, due to the rain.

“The rain put a little bit of a damper on things, especially the concert Saturday evening, but nothing major. Everyone was in a good mood and had a good time anyway,” said Chris Short of the festival board.

Larry West, executive director of the festival board, said attendance was up this year.

“Attendance was really good and we had 20 to 25 percent more vendors this year than the previous year. We had a larger variety of foods to choose from,” West said.

West said the festival board and committee members have already been discussing plans for next year, the 50th anniversary of the festival.

“Yes, next year is the big 5-0 so we have been discussing themes and that sort of thing. Also, we would like to have more floats in the parades and may even have a float for each decade. We want past contest winners, queens, princesses, to contact us. It would be neat for people to see someone in the parade that was a pretty baby winner 40 years ago or a queen 20 years ago,” West said.

West said plans also are being made for the art park at the corner of Warren Street and Sandusky Avenue.

“The art park should be completed by next summer, so we are already discussing holding some of the eating contests there and featuring local musicians, maybe even offering some karaoke,” West said.

West said volunteers are always needed for the festival.

“Even if you only have an hour to spare, we have something you could do to help out,” West said.

For more information, visit the festivals website at http://www.bucyrusbratwurstfestival.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Bucyrus-Bratwurst-Festival-46232926529/?fref=ts.

Festival queens make their way down Sandusky Avenue on Saturday as rain fell on the parade on the last day of the Bratwurst Festival. (Kimberly Gasuras | Galion Inquirer)
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/38/2016/08/web1_queens.jpgFestival queens make their way down Sandusky Avenue on Saturday as rain fell on the parade on the last day of the Bratwurst Festival. (Kimberly Gasuras | Galion Inquirer)

By Kimberly Gasuras

[email protected]

Reach Gasuras on Twitter: @kimberlygasuras

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