Once again, Septemberfest a huge success for Rangely folks

RANGELY I As the largest annual festival-like gathering in Rangely, Septemberfest has always been a big deal for locals with plenty of activities for enjoyment.

A big hit every year with kids is the Rangely Police Department’s Bike Rally, where children can test out their bicycles on the rally course, register their bikes with the Rangely Police Department and pick up a free helmet courtesy of the Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Parks District.
Rangely Police Chief Vince Wilczek said the rally has been an annual event since he began on the force 24 years ago. He said he looks forward to the event every year.
“It’s about the interaction with the kids and having fun with them while teaching them about bicycle safety,” Wilczek said.
A new event this year was the grand opening of The Tank. For the first time, the musical tank was open to the public for tour and play.
For Gale Palmer, who had heard about The Tank since moving to Rangely in 1968 but had yet to encounter it first hand, The Tank was a surprising experience.
“It wasn’t what I expected; the sound was like a cathedral,” she said.
Leslie Nielsen was also impressed with her first trip into The Tank.
“It sounds amazing,” she said. “The sound travels in a swirl, which is really cool.”
The Tank promoters also seemed happy with the event and said they had more people dropping by to check out the tank than anticipated, including people coming from as far as Grand Junction for a chance to get in there.
Monday’s craft fair and car show in Elks Park offered unique items for purchase, games to play and fantastic cars to view. However, the highlight for many wasspending time with friends.
“Getting to know everybody at Septemberfest is great,” said Valley Jackson, who was encouraging local mothers to relax and get to know each other at the Rangely Mom’s Booth. Jackson was also happy to relax with a treat, saying her favorite part of Septemberfest was all of the junk food.
With 947 people having been served for the Rangely Elks Club’s barbecue luncheon on Monday, the event seems to be drawing a crowd, and, according to local Donna Petersburg, was “just as good as ever.”
WRBM Recreation and Parks District Board Member Jennifer Noel was pleased with the four-day celebration.
“It’s great to see people enjoying the day and each other,” she said.
Tim Webber, director of the WRBM District, had similar sentiments to express.
“This world is hurting enough, and we don’t have enough laughter anymore,” he said. “It seems this old world of ours is on a downward spiral with nothing but problems wherever you turn. It’s not what you can do for your country anymore, it’s what can I get from my neighbor!
“Septemberfest to me is what this country should be about—a great common sense approach to how to be an American and one where people care for each other,” Webber said. “It’s to honor the working men and women of this area.”
With Septemberfest 2015 wrapped up, the WRBM district will soon begin preparing for next year’s celebration and the chance to give Rangely another long weekend of fun.