Get ready to chicken dance

Odessa gears up for annual Deustchesfest

ODESSA — The quaint town of Odessa celebrates its German heritage this weekend with its annual Deustchesfest, now in its 34th year.

The event draws thousands who come to hear authentic German music played by local band The Oom Pas & Mas, indulge in homemade German victuals, shop the craft booths and, of course, visit the block-long biergarten.

The eastern Washington answer to Oktoberfest, Deustchesfest is one of the largest festivals held in this half of the state. More than 20,000 people converge on the community of less than 1,000 every year to attend the celebration.

"They started coming in last week," Deustchesfest biergarten co-chairman Don Strebeck said of the numerous recreational vehicles which have now set up camp in Odessa's baseball fields. "It's fun — it gets everybody excited."

Strebeck highly recommended those planning to indulge in the biergarten during the four-day fest take advantage of the ballfields opened up for camping during Deustchesfest and bring a tent or drive the RV down.

He also had one more piece of advice for biergarten-goers: bring cash. The cost of admission is $3 for persons over 21 with valid identification. While standard American brews will be available, Strebeck also touted Odessa-based hop shop Rocky Coulee Brewing Company which will feature several of its beers at Deustchesfest.

The German fun kicks off with a tricycle and bed races tonight, followed by the opening evening of the Oom Pas & Mas, who have played every Deustchesfest for the past 32 years.

Saturday's highlight is the parade through Odessa starting at 10 a.m. Events continue through 11 p.m. Sunday night when the biergarten closes.