STAFFORD — Oktoberfest 2025. A true gift given to the public by the Oktoberfest committee and the people of Stafford. Yes, it is a lot of work for a lot of people. Yes, it makes me get out of my comfort zone physically and mentally. Yes, it was hot and WINDY, BUT the treasure of significant moments collected throughout the day and evening will brighten our days until Oktoberfest 2026 and we do it all again.
First moment to ponder: The dedication of the flagpole memorial to Tim Dye. Roger Blew shared this quote from Walt Whitman in reference to Tim, “Be curious, not judgmental.”
Stop and think about those words. They can open up a whole new world for all of us!
Blew continued, “Perhaps, each of us might tap into the deep sense of curiosity that Tim had. To feed that curiosity like Tim did, by reading more, and judging less.”
Over 50 people attended the remembrance of Tim with Don Hardin opening with a stirring trumpet solo of the presenting of the Colors, then Janet Hardin sang “The Star Spangled Banner.” I hope the whole community could hear and started their day in this beautiful way.
Linda Hiebert closed with memories of Tim and led us in one of his favorite Civil War songs.
Second moment to ponder: Walking through the crowds, watching the parade and making connections with friends and family that we haven’t seen for years. Food trucks filling West Broadway with an array of food and drinks to choose from!
Third moment: All the new babies and joyful grandparents! Kids everywhere! Free to enjoy the unrestricted small-town day. The moment that made me think of the whole day as a gift: The class of 68 putting in the work and time to present a totally unique and fun melodrama at the Ritz. It was crowd pleasing, hissing, cheering fun! The well-attended event gave donations of $300 to the Larabee Library.
Heartfelt thanks to all involved!
Closing moments were a well attended alumni banquet, with a delicious meal provided by Wheatland Cafe, moments to remember alumni that passed this year, and laughter provided by a great group of alumni officers.
Music filled Stafford well into the night, provided by not one but two live bands,
Well done Stafford!
Coming Events
• Monday Mornings 10-11 a.m. Preschool Story Hour
• Oct. 6 - 5:30 p.m. Legion Auxiliary meeting
• Every Wednesday (except second Wednesday) - ESOL with Rachel Sandoval, 6 p.m.
• Aug. 1- Nov. 1 “Awesome Library Reads” book challenge.
• Working on setting up Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D.
• Recently Read, Oct. 28 - 5:30 p.m. Come join the conversation!
• Trunk or Treat at Stafford County Hospital.
• Nov. 4 - Parents as Teachers Night at the library, celebrating Kansas Reads to Preschoolers.
• November - December - We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at the library! Bring your children and join us!
• Early Bird Giving - Nov. 2 to Dec. 2, MATCH DAY. Dec. 2 is “Giving Tuesday.”
• Next Board meeting: Oct. 8.
Gerry Hildebrand is the head librarian for the Nora Larabee Memorial Library, 108 N. Union St. in Stafford. Phone 620-234-5762, email larabeelibrary@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Nora Larabee Memorial Library.
