Letter to the Editor: Septemberfest a big success due to many

Dear Editor:
This year’s Septemberfest was a huge success because of all the volunteer help and donations that were received.
Friday evening started off with a magician sponsored by Napa Auto Parts (Brad and Michelle Casto) with the auditorium filled with numerous families and individuals who all seemed to enjoy the magic tricks and performance. Thank you Napa Auto Parts. This is a true family event that definitely enhances the Septemberfest theme!
Saturday started with approximately 50 people running in the annual Fast Flat & Free 5K run/walk hosted by the recreation and park district staff. Roger Polley (owner of Rangely True Value) also lined several individuals up for a tour of the old Uintah Railroad. This event lasts the whole day and this writer hopes that sometime in the future he can go on this free tour that is very informational and well done! Thank you Roger Polley and family for your passion for history and the tour itself!
Next, the Rangely Police Department hosted its annual Bike Rally, in which the police department inspected bikes, led participants through an obstacle course and ended the event by giving away several new bikes and free bike helmets for all who needed them. The Bike Rally was followed up by the recreation and park district setting up the inflatables for all to enjoy.
The first annual bench press contest was held in Elks Park and run by Rangely police officer Chris Clayton, Camilla Kennedy and Kirstin Cushman and the WRBM Recreation and Park District staff.
The chili cook-off, which used to be a huge event, wasn’t the case this year, so we will be working on that for next year. And the CNCC Rodeo golf tournament was held in the morning and ending the day was the fourth annual Rock ‘n’ Bulls ‘n’ Barrels Rodeo.
Sunday kicked off with the Ice Cream Social at the Rangely Museum and was hosted by the museum board; they had live music and many enjoyed eating ice cream.
After this event was the cardboard boat race, for which we are attempting to get more participants; so help spread the word. On Sunday evening, several people listened to music and enjoyed a free pig roast sponsored by the New Creation Church. To end the day, we had our first Muddy Dip N Dash obstacle course race followed by the Mud Tug of War; both of the events were a huge success with tons of attendees.
While all of this was going on, Jeff LeBleu and several members of the Rangely Elks Club were burning wood in the fire pit to prepare it for the beef delivered that evening by Jeff Rector and his son, Brian. The beef (2,000 pounds) was then lowered into the fire pit; covered and left overnight to cook.
Labor Day Monday was kicked off by the annual pancake breakfast sponsored by the Rangely Rural Fire Protection District and it had tons of people enjoy the delicious breakfast the firemen prepared. Good job, Rangely Rural Fire Protection District. Your service to this community is very much appreciated.
This was followed by the parade in which Jeff LeBleu was grand marshal. The parade led everyone to Elks Park for a day of activities. There were more than 70 vendors for the Arts and Crafts show this year with several different items and displays of products for all to enjoy.
To start off the Craft Fair, Clarence Hamilton and his children performed; they were awesome! The car show had several entries this year, and the event was run by Jerry LeBleu. Great job Jerry and friends.
While all of this was going on, the beef was being raised out of the pit and transported to the park. While the food was being served to approximately 1,500 people, give or take a few, the Justin Lane band played their country music while everyone enjoyed a perfect day in the park.
Please help us recognize and thank the following for all of their volunteerism and donations in making this year Septemberfest a huge success. A special thank you goes to the following entities or businesses for their financial donation towards Monday’s meal: Subway of Rangely; WRBM Recreation and Park District Board of Directors and Employees; Rangely District Hospital; Giovanni’s; White River Market; Moon Lake Electric Association; Shell Oil; Chevron; the Town of Rangely; and the Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners.
The following either donated time or services toward the meal or the weekend. A big thank you to all: Peggy Rector; Jeff-Rebecca and Brian Rector; Rangely Rock Crawlers; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Rangely Napa Auto Parts; CNCC athletic teams and coaches; Duco, Inc.; True Value Hardware; Rangely District Hospital; Nichols Store; Bill Hume; Rangely Police Department; Town of Rangely; Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners; WRBM Recreation and Park District; Rangely Museum; Rangely Rural Fire Protection District; Jerry Le Bleu; and the Rangely Elks Club.
If I have inadvertently forgotten somebody, I do apologize. Your assistance in making Septemberfest a success is truly appreciated!
Timothy J. Webber
Executive Director
WRBM Recreation & Park District
Rangely