Willkommen Center and Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce — Attraction in Leavenworth

I have to speak out against Leavenworth Shuttle & Taxi Service and the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. In January, my family planned a snowmobile trip to Leavenworth. We took the train so we had to rely on their taxi service to get around so we planned ahead with several phone calls to the taxi service, snowmobile service, and our hotel so that we could make connections when we arrived by train. The morning of our outing, we called the taxi service to pick us up and take us to the 59 Diner where the snowmobile service was located paying $36 for the ride. We ended up in the opposite direction to another 59 Diner and were dropped off. Within the minute, we called the taxi service to explain that they had dropped us off at the wrong location and to take us to the correct 59 Diner to snowmobile. They wanted to charge us another $81 dollars to take us to the correct place. The owner of the taxi service explained that we had requested to go to the 59 Diner in Cashmere, a place we had never heard of. The diner that we were at said this is a common occurrence. We didn't get to snowmobile that day and had paid $36 dollars both ways to the wrong place! Once back at the hotel, they too said that this had happened before. I called the owner of the taxi service, David, and he gave me a song and dance that he had never heard that we where going snowmobiling and it was our mistake. Wrong. We had communicated this fully. I contacted the Chamber of Commerce and they never responded to my email. I believe there is a scam, yes a scam, going on and the Chamber of Commerce is covering it. I base this on two local businesses saying it is a continuing problem and our conversations with the taxi company explaining our plan to go snowmobiling. Not good for tourism since it is a lovely town but with only one taxi service. And thanks Chamber of Commerce...

Finally made it to Leavenworth this year with the family after years of wanting to visit. Since we were going to be there during the week (12/5-12/9) we called and spoke with someone at the Chamber of Commerce to verify activities and dates. We were told that things were going to be different than in the past. There would no longer be a "flipping of the switch" on weekends to help reduce crowd sizes (which we appreciated). Instead, the lights would be on every day of the week, holiday characters including Santa and wandering carolers would be out around town and kids' activities would also be available throughout the week.

Unfortunately, the lights were turned off in the park every night around 11pm and turned back on in the morning. This was very disappointing because we booked a couple of village view rooms at the Bavarian Lodge to enjoy the lights. Turning them off did not keep people out of the park after hours. We only heard performers under the gazebo in the park on two separate nights as we came out of a restaurant and shops. We were told by a shop owner that there were indoor activities at the Festhalle for children. However, we did not confirm this because we did not have small children with us. On Tuesday night we just happened to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus. Lucky for us they decided to come to town that night dressed in full costume. While speaking with them we learned that they were employed by the city to work weekends only.

We would have enjoyed our visit much more if the park lights stayed on beyond 12 a.m., we had access to a schedule for entertainment in the park and Santa and Mrs. Claus visits included weekdays.

We realize that this year was different. We hope that you consider our suggestions, and we look forward to...

We visited for one week to attend the first weekend of O'fest. Really enjoyed the town. Felt like we were back in Austria. The Chamber people were very kind and helpful. O'fest was less than what we expected tho. We frequently attend O'fest in Mt Angel, Oregon so we know about a high quality festival. There were a few good experiences here--music, plenty of security, audience competitions in the Festhalle, strong Bavarian theme. Here are a few suggestions. Keep all bollards up on the street. We were nervous to see one pulled on two streets leaving plenty of room for a driver to do something crazy with a car into a crowd. Please provide German wine, and more wine. There was plenty of German beer but no German wine. We were VERY disappointed on Saturday to discover that your Pinot Gris was sold out--less than half way into the weekend. That was inexcusable, especially since it appeared to be a contracted vendor. You really need a Plan B for something as significant as this. We bought a weekend pass but had to wait in a long line for a wristband each day. How about a weekend pass band? Finally, the event felt very commercial. Where are the volunteer helpers, and booth workers? A local festival should be filled with local help...