Group announces Oktoberfest button, grand marshal

MINSTER - Jack Buschur, a man recognized as a humble pillar of the community, was named grand marshal of the 2022 Minster Oktoberfest Parade.

Surrounded by friends and family, Buschur was the center of attention Wednesday evening at a dinner at The Wooden Shoe hosted by the Minster Oktoberfest Parade Commitee.

Buschur, 71, said being named grand marshal was "totally unexpected."

"I'm very surprised," he said. "It's a real honor."

Each year the Oktoberfest committee receives nominations for the honor before a vote is taken. "Our Piece of Germany" is the theme of this year's Minster Oktoberfest Parade set for 2 p.m. Oct. 2.

The man of the hour, who owned Buschur Electric in Minster for over 40 years, has lived and been heavily immersed in the community of Minster for most of his life, according to a parade commitee news release.

"Jack Buschur's actions as a community member has exceeded all expectations of any resident, as well as those required to be selected as our 45th Grand Marshal," said parade chairman Rodney Arnold in the release.

Jack has been involved in several community organizations such as the Jaycee's, the Kiwanis Club, the Minster Civic Association and the Community Improvement Corporation.

"Under his leadership Buschur Electric's philanthropical endeavors included the sponsoring of many youth sports organizations, the assistance in the development of the Minster bike path, a key contributor to the Minster athletics for Scoreboards and track resurfacing along with numerous other contributions," the release states.

Buschur and his wife, Bonnie, have two grown children, Heidi and Sara, and five grandchildren.

"To say Jack's grandchildren are the light of his life would be quite the understatement," his daughter Sara stated in her nomination letter of her father to the committee.

Also honored at Wednesday night's dinner was the 2022 Oktoberfest button designed by Sherri Thobe. The button design is notable for the detail given to the beer stein, said Oktoberfest spokesperson Theresa Thien.

Thousands of people will converge in Minster as the village celebrates its German heritage with the 48th Minster Oktoberfest.

The festival is set for Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Most of the events will be staged at Minster Machine Centennial Park and Oktoberfest Park on West Fourth Street.