If you haven’t already cleared your calendar for the weekend of Sept. 22-23, make it a priority — because that is the weekend for our spectacular Christ the King Parish Oktoberfest! Dozens of volunteers have been working long hours in the months leading up to this weekend that promises to be a time of fun, fellowship, tasty food, music, and fundraising.
Oktoberfest is a major fundraiser not only for our church but also for our Christ the King School.
“Last year was a record-breaking year, so we hope we can come close to it again this year,” says Caroline Gray, Co-Chair with her husband, Kevin, of the Kids’ Games Area.
The festivities will begin at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22 with the Blessing of the Kegs. The festival will open to the public at 4 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 23, the grounds open at 1 p.m. The Kids’ Games Area will close both days at 9 p.m., with all other areas open until 11 p.m.
The Kids’ Games Area this year will have a wider variety of inflatables for the younger ones to enjoy.
“We are working with a different company so the younger kids will have more things to choose from,” Caroline says.
The older kids can enjoy Cake Wheel, Candy Booth, Arts and Crafts, Ring Toss, Plinko, and much more.
For the adults, there will be Blackjack, Bingo, pull tabs, and the $50 raffle.
There will be musical entertainment both days of the festival, and, of course, plenty of food!
“We’ll have a variety of food trucks,” Caroline says. “These include Sav’s Ice Cream and
Moe’s Mexican, among others. There will be ice cream and, of course, the Christ the King German food tent featuring brats.”
Besides all the great food, music, and games everyone can enjoy at Oktoberfest, there is a benefit that has no measure — building fellowship with our parishioners not only by attending, but also by serving at the event.
“You meet so many people,” Caroline says. “We started volunteering several years ago and we have met so many people. It’s been a lot of work, but you become so close with others you volunteer with. It’s an awesome event and you see the fruits of your labors with the parish and the school. It’s just fantastic.”
There is still time to volunteer for either set-up, during Oktoberfest itself, or for clean-up.
“We need so many volunteers,” Caroline says. “We need them for ticket sales and the food tents — any help is welcome.”
Set-up begins the Sunday before the event when the tents are installed. Then, the major preparation work takes place on that Tuesday and Wednesday. Clean-up takes place on Sunday, Sept. 24.
To volunteer, visit ctkoktoberfest.com — scroll down and click the “volunteer” button, which will take you to the sign-up form with areas to select. For any questions, contact Rebecca Bernotas at bec.bernotas@gmail.com or Allan Bernotas at allan.bernotas@gmail.com.