2005 Old Fort Oktoberfest “Best Ever”

The Old Fort Chamber of Commerce held its annual October Festival on September 30^th and October 1^st on the grounds of the Mountain Gateway Museum . This festival has been the Chamber’s pride for the past 13 years. This year’s festival included a Rock Wall, Put-Put Golf and the Moon Walk attractions for kids and adults alike. Pony rides, hay wagon rides, carriage rides and the newest attraction enjoyed by all was the “Little Blue Choo” Based out of Cherryville , North Carolina . The Little Blue Choo is thought by all to be the world's nicest trackless train. This was a great addition to a railroad town’s festival. A special appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog delighted the children.

Over 50 vendors attended this year’s festival; even Friday which is normally a slow day was surprisingly busy according to festival organizer Tony Yacovelli. Whether it was the weather (which was fantastic), the food (which was abundant) or just the down home atmosphere, everyone enjoyed the event. Music was provided by a number of musicians including; The Dulcimer Club, Robert Lodwick, The Wheelers from Black Mountain , 23 North and the Soggy Mountain Boys. While the Soggy Mountain Boys played children jumped to the front and had a great old toe tapping, clogging and jumping good time. Janise Totherow did a fine job of introducing the bands and singing during breaks enabling Chamber members to work in other areas. Celebrity visitors Sponge Bob and Strawberry Shortcake were greeted by our own Mayor Wayne Stafford. The climbing wall was a great challenge for youngsters such as 7 year old Courtney Maness of Carthage , NC who has not missed Oktoberfest in 3 years. The Moon Bounce, put-put golf and pony rides were also a great hit.

A $2700.00 entertainment cabinet was donated by Ethan Allen Pine Valley Plant, this fantastic piece of American workmanship will be raffled off the 2^nd week in December, tickets are on sale now for $5 and money from this raffle will help pay for next years rides which must be paid for in advance. The cabinet will be on display in the Old Fort Depot with tickets being sold by chamber members. Festival organizers praised their local businesses for the donations of products and money, the Old Fort Chamber could not put this festival together without their help and support. Special thanks for donating money for the rides this year to; Harmon & Associates, Hawkins Lumber, Old Fort Insurance, L&B Furniture, Worldwide Realtor, Collision Specialties, Legendary Ford, Martin Feagin Ford, Cooks Chevrolet, Big Rig, Colonial Freight, Train Watchers Café, John’s Market, BB&T, Family Pharmacy, Frisbees, Gibbs, Western Sizzlin, Old Fort Merchants, Gateway Mountain, Old Fort Golf Course, Old Fort Tool Rental, Painter’s Greenhouse, Albrights Drapery, Crooked Creek Estates and USCU.

The annual “Duck Race” was held on the banks of Mill Creek. The ducks are purchased for $3, each with a number on their heads. The ducks are dropped from the bridge and float down the river past the museum, chamber members are in the water under the small wooden bridge catching 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place winners. Winners were Bill Bach 1^st, Gary Beaver 2^nd and Otis Keaton 3^rd.

Local dignitaries were also in attendance, our Rep. Mitch Gillespie, Mayor Wayne Stafford, Old Fort Aldermen, Commissioner Barry McPeters and Joe Sam Queen.