Oktoberfest – ARE YOU READY TO PARTY!!!

CHESTERMERE – “Oom-Pah-Pah” !! The second annual United Way Oktoberfest Fundraiser is Saturday, October 13 at the Chestermere Recreation Centre and if it is anything like last year, you better get you tickets today as this event is always a sellout. Kim Mikkelsen and her team of volunteers gave me the lowdown on the dinner/dance. With only 370 tickets available and only a little more than a week to go before the event, you should act now. “We have already sold about 50% of the tickets” said Mikkelsen “which is about where we were last year at this time”.
The doors are open at 6:30 PM and by 7:00 PM things are going to start rolling; not beer barrel rolling although that might be fun. They have made some significant improvements over last years event and they think people will enjoy themselves even more. With your ticket you will receive a beer mug and a complimentary mug full of beer, as well there is an open full service bar for those who drink other spirits. What a better way than to get your friends, family and neighbours together than to buy a table for 8 at $270 or $33.75 each (which incidentally will be reserved for you this year) or you can purchase a single ticket for $45. Dinner is an authentic German spread featuring bratwurst and sauerkraut. Yum.
Not one, but two auctions will take place. One is a silent auction and the other live auction will have several items like trips, sporting events and live theatre tickets. A favourite of the silent auction is the Treasure Chest which is a mysterious parcel that will contain numerous gifts donated by local businesses. Bidding takes place throughout the evening and dance. Speaking of dancing, polka anyone? A German band will perform for the evening with their crowd pleasing energetic Oom-Pah-Pah music.
Don’t forget there are prizes awarded for the best dressed male and female costumes at the party. Boston Pizza will sponsor a game called Heads and Tails and of course there will also be the popular 50/50 draw.
Now if anyone who may overindulge and need a ride home (and especially with the new 0.05 laws in affect), for a small donation, rides within Chestermere are going to be provided by the Mountain View Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in one of their posh Limo’s. This is a definitely a unique way to get back home to your resting place.
The Oktoberfest Committee is still looking for a few volunteers from 6:30 to 9:30 PM to meet and greet and clear some tables after dinner. Contact Kim Mikkelsen at 403-880-4711.
Pick up your tickets at Moe’s Liquor Store, M&M Meat Shops or The General Store (all proud sponsors of this event).
So far over the past 3 years with different fundraising events, the Chestermere United Way Campaign has raised over $26,000 and all the funds stay right here in Chestermere. As a matter of fact, says Mikkelsen “There are many initiatives from employers where you can target your donations to a specific area such as Chestermere”. Good to know.