We’re excited to announce that Oktoberfest in July is returning for its 43rd year of fellowship and fun! What better way can our parish live in stewardship as we offer hospitality to our community as we joyfully share of our time, talent, and treasure?
Admission is free for the three-day event that runs from July 21 through July 23 on Immaculate Conception Parish grounds. Festivities will run from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 21, continuing from 4 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 23.
“Staging the festival involves a community effort with contributions from the mayor, city council, safety forces, businesses, and scores of volunteers,” says Brent Woerner, President of the Oktoberfest Committee. “We are always in need of volunteers as parishioners, family friends, groups, organizations, and the local community assist in making this festival a success. As with any festival of this size, we can never have enough volunteers, whether it is setting the grounds up, working on the booths, dealing cards at the Monte Carlo, or tearing down and packing after the festival. Any help is welcome!”
The Oktoberfest Committee has been meeting once a month since January to plan this year’s event.
Proceeds from Oktoberfest will be allocated with 10 percent going to the Fr. Curran Endowment Fund and 90 percent to the parish general fund to cover ongoing needs.
Music will be a major part of the festival, beginning at the opening on Friday, and continuing through Sunday. Two stages will provide continuous entertainment, and the ever-popular Disco Inferno is returning.
Attendees can enjoy a variety of delicious items at our parish food booths, such as stuffed cabbage, pierogies, cabbage and noodles, cavatelli, German dishes, and traditional festival foods such as hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage sandwiches, pizza, and a few other favorites. The parish bakery, located in the Chinese Auction, will have goodies and coffee all weekend long.
Monte Carlo will be held in the parish gym throughout the festival, and the Chinese Auction will take place in St. Joseph Hall. There is a wide selection of items to win, including a high-definition television, cash, a computer, a Cleveland Browns package, an Apple iPhone, and many other baskets.
“A big, draw this year will be inflatables for children of all ages,” Brent says. “Another festival favorite is the Baby Derby and Toddler Trot, both on Sunday afternoon. The derby is for little ones from seven to 12 months of age, and toddlers from 12 to 16 months of age can compete in their trot. We have miniature golf, speed pitch, basketball shooting, and many games to enjoy.”
Besides the performers, games, food choices, and opportunities to win prizes, Oktoberfest brings parishioners together in a way that fosters stewardship.
“It brings people together,” Brent says. “During setup, there is a lot of camaraderie with different parishioners and families. It’s kind of an annual thing, and when the festival starts, we get help from parish organizations, such as the Knights of Columbus. Families like to work certain booths — there is a niche they like to do. It’s a chance to come out and have fellowship with others. Some former parishioners come home to go to Oktoberfest. It’s a tradition they always do.”
Setup is scheduled to begin July 1, and volunteers are needed for this work, as well as for the festival.
To volunteer, be a sponsor, or for more information about Oktoberfest in July,
please call the parish office at 440-942-4500.
