By Coben Scott
Aug. 9 marked 56 years of the Black Forest Festival. A shuttle system proved to be the big difference this year. Volunteer drivers rotated stations throughout the day, operating out of numerous stops along Black Forest Road.
This event circles around the Black Forest and the surrounding community, highlighting local groups, vendors and community members. The guest of honor is known as the Keeper of the Keys, an outstanding resident of the year. The Black Forest Community Center votes for the person, and this year the award went to John Trcka. Both Trcka and his wife, Ginny, have been highly active with several youth organizations in the area; most notably, John Trcka’s involvement with the Athletic Association of Black Forest. He was the president of the youth soccer program for some time. The league is not active now, but Trcka expressed interest in starting it up again. When asked how it feels to be Keeper of Keys this year, Trcka said, “It’s just a joy to be able to serve.” The couple served morning pancakes at the festival.
Familiar faces and activities were spotted across the event. Picker Munson, the previous Keeper of the Keys, helped gather vendors; the community club opened the historic schoolhouse for interpretation; and the School in the Woods shared information about the wonders of outdoor learning. The vendor valley, northwest of the community center, showcased items ranging from knick-knacks to portraits. Just north of the center, visitors found the kids’ market — booths created and operated by local children, who showcased a variety of goods. There were also activities that displayed and offered education in subjects such as looming, beekeeping and gardening. South of the center, the Fire on the Run Barbecue offered live music throughout most of the event; other bands were also scattered across the grounds.
Many notable local groups participated in the parade. School in the Woods had an Enos Mills portrayer on float, while Our Lady of the Pines church included youth group members, who tossed out candy from an old fire truck. Bikers, the Model A Club and the Camelid community were also represented. The annual outhouse races followed the parade.
Along with the festival, the weekly Black Forest Farmers Market set up more booths and goods, showcasing more local growers, artists and history.
Many vendors, offering a myriad of different items, from food to jewelry, lined the Black Forest Festival.
American Legion Dane R. Balcon Post 2008 participated in the August Black Forest Festival. Photo submitted.
A motorcycle group joined in the Black Forest Festival parade.
Kids rode in an old firetruck and threw candy to the spectators.
