Lightside

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Months have passed since Willi Fida died. The tree his car hit has scabbed where the bark was ripped off. Mementoes from his family, a clutch of lasting keepsakes and bouquets attached to the tree, are fading.

I met Chef Willi some 20 years ago when he was new to Canada from Austria. Willi was perfecting his skills under the watchful eye of Chef Albert Schnell at the Harbour Castle Hilton Hotel.

We lost contact. Then eight years ago, quite by accident, I discovered a superb restaurant in the village of Bloomfield. It was Willi's. Our reunion was warm, a delight in that my son also knew him.

Angeline's, Willi's restaurant, is now run by his children and remains a busy spot. But even now patrons, those who remember his warmth and extravagant generosity, cannot help but look for him on the streets.

Just last year, Willi introduced the pleasure of an Austrian Oktoberfest to Bloomfield's townsfolk. It was a first for this somewhat staid county village. Willi dished out schnitzel and sauerkraut to all. He was having fun and it was infectious.

Now, months after that dreadful car crash, his fans are rallying to remember and to perpetuate his memory. This will not be done lightly.

Already countless full-colour posters have been posted in strategic spots and those who plan such events are happily tidying up the loose ends.

Chef Heinz Haas, a Loyalist College professor in Belleville, is consulting his recipes.

"What would an Oktoberfest be without the trimmings," he asked, rubbing his hands and beaming. These "trimmings" include a traditional barrel bash, an Umpah Band and dancing. Plenty of that.

"And there will be prizes and a silent auction," he said.

The auction is to support the Fida Bursary Fund. The fund will aid student chefs and enhance the legacy of fine dining Willi introduced to the county when he founded his restaurant.

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at Crystal Palace in Picton, Ont. A half-hour later the barrel will be broached and at 7 p.m. the lavish meal hits the tables. Get through that and it is dance 'til you drop.

At last year's event, Willi and Ann, his friend, whirled about the floor, urged people to dig in to the buffet and, most of all, have fun. Few of us could match their exuberance or verve.

That was not long before Willi's car smashed into a large tree near his restaurant. It was early in the morning. No one knows exactly what happened. We only know it was sudden, unexpected and he was dead.

Now his friends can once again enjoy and savour something he revelled in. That is life and the joy one can gather in the company of friends.

I do not know how you see it, but this event is a marvellous way to celebrate the pleasure of having shared time with a guy who added sparkle to each day.

To date, tickets to Oktoberfest are still available at $30 per person. Interested? Call 61-393-2796.

It promises to be a wonderful introduction to an annual celebration to honour a friend.