BUCYRUS — The 2017 Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival wrapped up the way it does every year – with businesses and individuals opening their wallets to help fund another successful event next year.
Saturday evening’s Stein Auction at the newly finished Schines Art Park brought in $6,540, including the #1 50th Anniversary Stein fetching $1,700.
The golden stein sat in a place of honor in a case donated by Carle’s Bratwurst, a succession of six purple steins taking up space along the rest of the table. Prior to the beginning of the auction, the golden stein drew admirers and later caused a bidding war between Shannan Stover and Lyle Dewiel.
Stover eventually won the war and cemented his first contribution to the community. Stover, a Centerburg resident, with plans to build a Donatos restaurant in town with a staff of 50.
“Paying back to the community,” Stover said of his purchase.
Dewiel did not hold a grudge after losing the top stein to Stover, especially after he snatched a purple 50th anniversary stein for $650. Dewiel, a 1966 Bucyrus graduate, has been making the trip back to Bucyrus for the Bratwurst Festival for the past 10 years with his wife Linda.
Linda said she wanted to travel back to North Tonawanda, New York with the golden stein, but heading home with a purple one was just as sweet. Dewiel also bought a stein at last year’s auction.
Other familiar names popped up throughout the night as buyers added to their collections. John Jinright, of JCJ Amusement Company, won a full set of Bratwurst Festival medallions, including two rare silver coins, with a $700 bid. The carnival ride owner, who never misses a chance to help raise funds during the festival, also won a donated 25th anniversary plate for $60, but put the item back up for auction. The plate then sold for an additional $45 to Joe Kennedy.
Kennedy also added to his #1 button collection with a $200 bid. He has won every button at the auction over the years, while Dave Brewer continued the collection of mini steins started by his father with a $170 bid.
Susan and Thomas Cathcart, of Cathcart Rail Holdings, further embedded themselves in the community with a purchase of a purple stein for $625. It was the first time the Cathcart family purchased a Bratwurst Festival stein and Susan Cathcart gleefully clutched her winnings.
“Awesome,” Susan Cathcart said about her prize, “and it’s the 50th anniversary, so we’re excited to have it.”
“It’s been a few years since we’ve collected this much money for the festival,” noted auctioneer Mike Zahn, who held the position of festival president for 20 years. “We’ve had a lot of good supporters.”
Though the stein auction capped off the night, the men’s leg contest drew a number of entries and spectators earlier in the day. A boisterous crowd cheered and laughed along with master of ceremonies, Tami Tima, as a parade of men bared their legs for the lighthearted competition.
With a green curtain covering their upper bodies, men strutted their toned gams, hairy legs, and bowlegged strides as a panel of three women from the Bucyrus, Colonel Crawford, and Wynford athletic booster clubs judged the best for each category.
Jaden Deskins won the Hairiest Legs category and walked home with shaving cream and a razor courtesy of Brandy’s Beauty Salon. Mark Crawford once again won Tannest Legs, while Matt Bell, sporting a silver low-heeled women’s shoe, triumphed in the Skinniest Leg category. Tom Bodner, of Castalia, rode off on a stick horse after dominating the Bowlegged category. Shad Rahm strutted right into a win for Sexiest Legs. while Mike Foght won Most Athletic and Best Overall.
Rahm admitted he caved to peer pressure when his friends talked him into competing in the contest, but he made the best of the situation by coming out on top.
“I have a blast no matter what I do. It was a good time,” Rahm said before cheekily adding, “I’m humbled and honored at the same time.”
Tima, who danced alongside the curtained men and engaged the crowd, admitted it wasn’t easy taking over announcing duties for the men’s legs contest.
“I like to get the men involved. They have a good time,” Tima said. “The big thing about it is it’s supposed to go to three schools – Bucyrus, Colonel Crawford, and Wynford – for athletes in need.”
