Oktober Fest approaches locally
By Vicki Johnson, outdoors@advertiser-tribune.com
A farm market and an American Indian education area are new this year to the Seneca County Park District's fourth annual Oktober Fest noon-5 p.m. Oct. 5 at Garlo Heritage Nature Preserve.
"Tell everybody to come hungry because that's the only way we make any money," said Chairman Dan Mason, preserve manager. "Everything else is free."
This year's lineup of German food includes bratwurst, sauerkraut, hot German potato salad, leiberkaese (fried veal bologna) sandwiches and other dishes, along with an array of cakes and pies.
"We got a new recipe for potato salad this year," Mason said. "So come out and try it."
The farm market is featuring three or four area vegetable producers selling their items near the butterfly garden at the nature center.
Jeff "Eagle Heart" Meggitt is planning to demonstrate Indian drumming and provide information on American Indian culture.
"People don't know there's meaning to the drumming," Mason said. "He will be explaining what the different drumming means."
Back this year are the Deutschmeisters, a 25-member German band. People are welcome to polka 1-4 p.m.
Children's crafts and games are planned, as well as a visit from Mona Rutger of Back to the Wild wildlife rehabilitation center of Castalia. Rutger, named "Hero of the Year" by Animal Planet in 2006, has bald eagles, owls, hawks and other raptors, along with a variety of other animals, to display for educational purposes.
The previously injured animals are cared for in her facility and would not survive in the wild.
Another favorite is back this year.
"We're definitely going to have wagon tours again," Mason said.
Four wagons are to be available for 45-minute park tours. The 292 acres of natural areas includes woodland, wetlands and a bluebird trail.
People who prefer to walk can meander around the trails and explore Olgierd Lake and the preserve's three ponds. A handicapped-accessible boardwalk leads to a shelter overlooking the water.
"There are five or six miles of trails without retracing your path," Mason said. He said the equestrian trail runs around the perimeter of the park.
People can walk by themselves or Mason is willing to give walking tours.
"I can make it as long as they want," he said. "That' s not on the agenda, but it's still nice to know they have the option."
In addition to the other activities, the blacksmith shop is scheduled to be in operation.
A silent auction in the nature center is to feature items donated by friends
A silent auction will be featured in the Nature Center where visitors can bid on a variety of items donated by friends of the parks.
Garlo preserve is about two miles south of Bloomville on SR 19, just north of CR 6.
