3 October 2014
1810 Wedding to be celebrated in Florence
The very first Oktoberfest was organized 204 years ago in Munich to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig. Two centuries later, the folks in Florence got involved.
The fourth annual Florence Oktoberfest is only one day, as opposed to the 16-day Munich version, but it contains many of the same qualities.
On tap at the Florence Events Center tomorrow will be authentic German Beer, the menu features Bratwurst and Sauer Kraut, as well as apple strudel for dessert.
To go along with the food and drink there will be plenty of music. Meg Graf and John R. Klobas will perform individually on accordion; The Happy Five and Sam’s Polka Gems will provide the “oompah” sounds; and Die Oberkrainer… which loosely translates as “the Highlanders”… will provide what is described as “music for listening, dancing and remembering”.
A Scandinavian folk dance troupe from Junction City will perform as well.
Tickets are $10 if you want to enjoy the pancake breakfast from 8 to 11; they’re only five dollars for the festival itself… kids under 12 are not only free, but welcome.
Dachshund Derby Dash
Visitors to tomorrow’s Oktoberfest at the FEC may want to be there in the early afternoon for the second running of what turned out to be a popular and exciting event last year.
The Wiener Dog Races… A-K-A the Dachshund Dash or Derby will begin at one pm.
Registration begins at noon. It’s only $15 and includes entry into Oktoberfest for the dog owner. Up to date shot records are required… for the dog… and there will also be a pet costume contest.
Council Facing a “Triple Stack”
It’s going to be a busy night Monday for the Florence City Council. Three meetings are on tap.
At five, they’ll meet in a one-hour public work session to talk about potential regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries. The Oregon Legislature approved dispensaries nearly two years ago, but many communities, including Florence, imposed one-year moratoriums on the facilities at the eleventh hour earlier this year. Monday’s work session is to discuss a draft ordinance; and no action will be taken.
The next meeting, at six, is also a discussion-only meeting. But it will take place behind closed doors as the council works on finalizing an agreement with a new City Manager.
At seven pm, the council will reconvene in open session where they will likely ratify that agreement and name the successor to Jacque Betz.
Also on the agenda will be a report on the one-year pilot project that included Three Rivers Casino in the Rhody Express bus route will be presented.
All three meetings are at City Hall.
It’s Elementary, School Growth is Primary
Enrollment at Siuslaw Elementary school in Florence is nearing 650 students… that’s an increase of 70 students in the past three years.
That growth of the student body has translated into growth in the certified teacher ranks as well. Two teachers were hired over the past two years to accommodate growth and two more have been hired this year in an effort to keep class sizes at recommended levels.
The growth is also putting pressure on the classroom facilities and furnishings.
The growth will continue next year as the need for kindergarten facilities and teachers will double as Siuslaw makes the transition from half-day to full day sessions.