WSA holds Oktoberfest celebration in Plains

PLAINS – The Wildhorse Sports Association held their annual German-style Oktoberfest celebration and fundraiser on Saturday. Participants consumed a bratwurst dinner complete with potato and pasta salads and tasted a variety of micro-brewery style beers during the event that included games, a raffle and a water dousing chair.

The event was an effort by WSA board members to raise money and awareness for a project in Plains that is over two years in the making. The money raised at the event will be put toward the WSA Sports Complex that is currently under construction west of Plains near the airport.

WSA board member and local businessman Randy Garrison spoke to the crowd of about 40 people and thanked them for their support of the complex that upon completion will provide Plains and the surrounding area with a number of valuable community resources. Garrison singled out one member of the audience for special recognition.

Former Plains resident and retired businessman Alvin Amundson provided the project with a major financial boost when he donated his home to the WSA. The sale of the property raised a substantial amount of money that has provided the complex with irrigation infrastructure, fencing for the perimeter of the fields, dugouts and bullpens as well as sod and grass seed.

Amundson took the stage at the request of Garrison to say a few words to the audience. Amundson said he was impressed with the progress of the project thus far.

“A year ago my wife and I donated our house to the WSA and in a year a lot has happened. I can’t believe it and I think it’s fantastic,” said Amundson. “This is a community thing. This is being supported by the people of Plains and Sanders County. I want to thank everybody especially the board members of the WSA.”

WSA Treasurer Erika Lawyer said not only will the complex provide the community with vital assets and economic benefits but the construction of the facility itself sends an important message to young people in the area.

“It’s important to the community for one because it’s going to bring tournaments in, it’s going to bring people into our area. I think businesses in the area will start to see an economic impact once those tournaments start coming in on a regular basis,” said Lawyer. “I think it’s important to show our kids that you can do something if you put your mind to it. Kids need to see volunteerism in action. No one is going to do it for you.”

Despite the chilly and damp weather, WSA President Cory Ovitt made his way outside after dinner for the water dousing chair event. Participants took turns tossing bean bags at a target that when struck triggered a mechanism that dropped a bucket of water on the head of Ovitt.

Ovitt endured multiple drenching bucket loads of water before relinquishing the chair to a fellow board member. The crowd-pleasing event was followed by games for prizes including gift baskets and certificates.

The sports complex under construction in Plains will eventually feature a wide variety of amenities. Plans are underway for a total of four baseball fields, a soccer field, walking and biking trails, a concession stand and possibly locker rooms.

The two baseball fields already underway are expected to be ready for action next spring.