Steamboat Pilot & Today

As the event signs indicate when you drive into town, the Oak Creek Labor Day Festival is fast approaching and the committee organizing the weekend celebration is still putting on the final touches.

Despite the fear last year that there wouldn't be anyone to organize the traditional event, Deb Van Gundy and Bill Paxton again stepped up to the plate to make sure it will happen.

They are getting the most out of the shoe-string Labor Day committee budget and trying to secure the vendors and entertainment for the holiday weekend.

If everything works out, there will be a petting zoo, pony rides, an auction, a parade, a variety of booths and a line-up of three comedians for evening entertainment.

As usual, there also will be races at Decker Park.

Van Gundy pushed for getting the third entertainer because she felt the 2000 Labor Day should have a little more than past celebrations.

However, the Labor Day committee still needs volunteers to help prepare for the event and also at the festival itself.

Even people who want to take on a small responsibility are encouraged to the help out because it would be one less thing the few committee members will have to do themselves.

"Right now, my big concern is that I need to get the stuff for the auction," Van Gundy said.

The auction features gift certificates, merchandise from Routt County businesses and even a ski pass that people can bid on.

It's important to get as many items as possible because the event is the largest fund-raiser at the festival. The money raised will pay for next year's Labor Day event. The town usually pulls in about $5,000 to $6,000 from the auction.

Van Gundy would be thrilled to find someone to help out with collecting items to go on the auction block.

"It can be time-consuming when there are not very many people doing it," she said.

Labor Day is on Sept. 4 this year and events in Oak Creek will probably kick off on Friday, Sept. 1 with bingo in the evening.

Anyone who wants to volunteer should call the Oak Creek Town Hall for the information.

To reach Doug Crowl call 871-4206 or e-mail dcrowl@amigo.net