Oktoberfest guests will receive a commemorative beer stein. The event is hosted by the Empress Theatre Society and the Fort Macleod Public Library Society.
Two popular Fort Macleod organizations have joined forces to host the second annual Oktoberfest.
The Empress Theatre Society and the Fort Macleod Public Library Society hope to build on the success of last year’s inaugural Oktoberfest.
“Last year’s event was awesome,” said Anne Barnes of the library society.
Empress Theatre Society president Denise Joel agreed, noting each group raised about $6,500 from last year’s event, which attracted just over 100 people.
“We hope to sell a few more tickets this year,” Joel said.
Oktoberfest gets under way at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 at the Fort Macleod and District Community Hall.
Oktoberfest features a German-themed meal, live and silent auctions, games, commemorative beer steins, and a dance.
The Fort Macleod Public Library Society last year approached the Empress group with the idea of joining forces for a fund-raiser.
The idea was to combine the volunteer work forces of both organizations for one major fund-raiser.
Both groups hoped to expand their sphere of influence by attracting people who may be Empress patrons but not necessarily library patrons, and vise-versa.
Dinner will be catered by Chef Stella of Lethbridge, who has put together an Oktoberfest-themed menu.
“They do a very authentic German meal,” Joel said.
The menu features bratwurst with onions and peppers, shaved mustard crusted pork loin with a white wine sauce, roasted baby potatoes, perogies with sour cream, roasted yellow beet and vegetable marinated salad, pretzel buns, braised red cabbage with bacon and apples, with chocolate cake for dessert.
All guests will receive a commemorative beer glass.
The silent auction will take place throughout the evening, with items pulled at various points to announce the winners.
The live auction will follow dinner and will feature several impressive items including a beef package valued at $1,200 from the White Lake and Stand Off Hutterite colonies, and a Paradise Canyon Golf Club package for four with a golf cart donated by Core Ag Inputs.
“We are actively canvassing for more donations for the auctions,” Joel said. “We’ve had great support from everyone.”
Following the live auction, people will engage in activities such as beer pong and a Titanic game.
DJ Brayden Van Driesten will provide the music for a dance.
Another part of the fund-raising that evening is a 50/50 draw with 15 tickets for $20 or $2 per ticket.
Last year, some guests got into the Oktoberfest theme by dressing in lederhosen and German outfits
Businesses, organizations and individuals can assist organizers through sponsorships, which are set at the following levels: bronze, $100; silver, $100 to $250; gold, $250 to $500; and platinum, $500 and over.
The Empress and library societies hope to sell at least 200 tickets at $75 apiece for Oktoberfest.
A safe ride home service will be available
The Empress Theatre Society will put its share of the profits from Oktoberfest toward the major renovation project that will see a new floor, refurbished seats and an expanded women’s washroom.
The Fort Macleod Public Library Society will use its share of the profits to fund ongoing renovations at the library.
Tickets are on sale at www.macleodempress.com or at the Empress office on Main Street.
To donate an auction item or to become a sponsor, contact Denise Joel at 403-894-8486 or Anne Barnes at 403-393-1922.
