By Vern Holmquist
Homer Davenport Days in Silverton appeared to be a big success again this year with the downtown area and the park full of fun-loving people, big smiles everywhere, the entertainment was first rate – each performance winning the approval of the audience. The kick-off party on Thursday night assured funds for next year’s celebration.
I can only tell you which of the performances on the main stage I enjoyed the most, as I am respectfully certain others may have a different opinion.
The Silverton High School band sounded great, but my vote has to go to the Grand Jazz Band, a traditional jazz band with wailing soprano saxophone player Tim Duffy and vocals by Jane Evens, whose vintage jazz voice brought me back to the wonderful Big Band Era.
Then of course the Reggae music of Chatta Addy which put more energy into those dancing than they knew they had, and then they played again that evening at Mac’s Place and the joint was jumpin’.
I can’t forget the uniquely Silverton Davenport Races. Once again sponsor Barb’s Hair Etc. in downtown Silverton earned bragging rights – this time taking home four victories. Congratulations, Barb.
These races always remind me of the Henley on Todd Regatta in Australia, where teams race bottomless boats down a dry river bed because the Todd River hasn’t had any water in it for some 200 years.
To add to all the goin’s on at Coolidge McClaine Park, Silverton also celebrated First Friday so the downtown businesses were filled with people enjoying out-on-the town, making it a fun, wonderful weekend.
Some of you will remember how Rick added so much fun to the very talented Salzburger Echo band playing in the Alpine Garten for Oktoberfest.
Rick liked to introduce his parents Walter and Sylvia Schwemmer of Salt Lake City as the king and queen of Bavaria. They have informed me Rick will be back this year so give him and the crew a big welcome. I have not seen the entertainment roster for this year, but know Liz Schmidt has picked the best musical acts available.
I still have the feeling that some people fail to realize Mount Angel’s Oktoberfest is a world class event. If you have never been, you are sure to be impressed by volunteers who dedicated themselves year-after-year to plan an event that has placed Mount Angel on the map. Oktoberfest starts Sept. 12 and goes to Sept. 15. For those who want to get a jump on the festivities, the Ofest Kick Off Party is 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at Mount Angel’s Festhalle. For information, visit www.oktoberfest.org
