Bavarian Bulletin - March 4,  2026 Edition

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Washington Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by 2025 Severe Winter Storms

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations including faith-based organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

2026 Event Press Release 

This week our 2026 Event Lineup press release hit the wire! Here are the details: 

With an event calendar that mirrors the town's Bavarian spirit and outdoor energy, there's always something to see, do, and celebrate 

(LEAVENWORTH, Wash.) – Already recognized worldwide for its annual Christmastown and Oktoberfest celebrations, which annually draw thousands of revelers to this Bavarian-inspired village nestled in Washington’s North Central Cascades, Leavenworth offers a robust year-round calendar of cultural, artistic, and outdoor experiences. From German traditions to events celebrating the surrounding natural beauty, and from outdoor theater to film and music festivals, there’s always something inspiring on the calendar in Leavenworth. Among the many highlights waiting to be experienced:

Traditional Maifest Celebration – May 8-10

Since 1971, Leavenworth has welcomed generations of locals and visitors to celebrate the arrival of spring with its beloved Bavarian Maifest. The celebration features the annual Festzug (Grand March), the raising of the Maibaum (Maypole), Maipole dancing, and live Bavarian music all set against Spring's signature blooming apple blossoms and snow-capped mountains. This year's milestone celebration also features a Festhalle entertainment stage and a Saturday beer garden. 

Autumn Leaf Festival – Sept. 26-27

The longest-running festival in Leavenworth since 1964, the Autumn Leaf Festival celebrates the turning colors of the autumn leaves and brings live music, food, and fall-themed fun to visitors and locals alike.  The main event, the Grand Parade on Saturday, features floats, Bavarian groups, bands, and more.

Oktoberfest in Leavenworth – Oct. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17

Named one of the country's top 13 outdoor festivals by Outside Magazine, Leavenworth's Oktoberfest offers three weekends of Bavarian-style celebration with beer gardens, nonstop entertainment across three stages, a street fair, vendors, lawn games, and an expanded Kinderplatz with a 62-foot Ferris wheel, root beer garden, and free kids' games. Tickets go on sale July 1, 2026. 

Village of Lights: Christmastown – Nov. 27- Dec. 24

Embrace the holiday spirit at Leavenworth's signature event, Village of Lights: Christmastown, where the town glows with over half a million lights every night from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Daily festivities include live performances, Santa visits, holiday characters, kids' crafts, and a story corner. Inside the Festhalle, kids can enjoy crafts, write to Santa, take photos, view the gingerbread competition, and browse Christmastown merchandise. The downtown Gazebo is the heart of the event, featuring over half a million lights, free live music, caroling, and appearances by beloved Christmas characters, truly showcasing Leavenworth's holiday magic.

Village of Lights: Winter Karneval – weekends in January 2027

Named by TimeOut as one of the top three winter carnivals in the USA, Winter Karneval pays tribute to the centuries-old German tradition commonly referred to as ‘Fasching’, a celebration of merriment dating back to the thirteenth century. With live ice carving, fireworks, performances, and a Fashcing pub crawl, visitors can experience authentic traditions while the snowcapped mountains provide a stunning backdrop. 

These signature festivals are just a sampling of the many notable events and celebrations taking place in Leavenworth throughout the year. Among the other notable events scheduled are:

●      Leavenworth Mountain Film Festival (March 21) – Held at the Leavenworth Festhalle, the event promises an evening filled with curated, award-winning films focusing on outdoor pursuits and the natural world, from local, regional, and international filmmakers.

●      Cascade Celtic Festival (May 1-3) – A spirited celebration of Celtic culture, music, and heritage, this three-day festival fills the village with performances, traditions, and community gatherings for all ages.

●      Mai BlumenLauf – May Flower Run (May 10) – Scenic 5k, 10k, and half-marathon through downtown and riverfront trails for all fitness levels.

●      Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest (May 14-17) – Celebrate the return of migratory birds amidst peak wildflower season with birding field trips, workshops, speaker events, music, visual arts, picnics, and activities suitable for all ages and abilities. 

●      Leavenworth International Alphorn Festival (May 23-24) – Alphorn players from across North America perform concerts and processions in the village's iconic gazebo to showcase the traditional instrument.

●      Leavenworth Bike Fest (June 19-21) – A three-day mountain bike and gravel racing event featuring a music and beer festival.

●      Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration (June 25-28) – The weekend festival offers a lively mix of accordion activities, including competitions for all skill levels, alongside classes, concerts, and spontaneous jam sessions over three main venues.

●      Leavenworth Summer Theater (July & August) – A Leavenworth tradition for more than 30 years, the Leavenworth Summer Theater’s 2026 lineup includes recurring performances of The Sound of Music, Anything Goes, and Bright Star, with many shows taking place at the outdoor Ski Hill Amphitheater.

●      The Leavenworth Marathon (Oct. 3) – Recently named Washington State’s top marathon in RaceRaves’ 2025 Runners Choice: Best Marathons in the U.S. poll, the Leavenworth Marathon is a beloved fall tradition held annually during the first weekend of Oktoberfest, benefiting local nonprofits and raising funds for vital cancer research and community initiatives.

Many of these and other events are funded or supported in part by the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce’s Funding it Forward program, part of the Chamber’s broader Destination Smart sustainable tourism initiative, which strives to balance responsible visitation with economic development and resident quality of life.

For more details and a full list of festivals and events, visit leavenworth.org. 

We look forward to seeing many of you at the banquet this Thursday night! 

Any downtown Chamber Members needing help with light removal, our crew is available to help on March 18, 19, 23, 24 25 & 26.  Please contact us to reserve a date and time.

Websites
Leavenworthchamber.org
Leavenworth.org

Our mailing address is:
Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce

PO Box 327
940 Highway 2 Suite B
Leavenworth, WA 98826-0327

If you have questions, please call us at (509)548-5807

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