The Barriere Lions Club is getting ready for its third annual Oktoberfest.
Club treasurer Frank Gordon promised this year’s German-style fall celebration will have more “oom pah pah” than previous years.
“We’ve every year had requests for more German polka stuff and this year we’re trying to step it up another notch,” said Gordon.
The festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. at the Lions Hall on Saturday, Sept. 29. A traditional Bavarian German meal will be served at 6:30 p.m., including sausage, sauerkraut, purple cabbage, warm potato salad, schnitzel, etc.
“Nobody ever goes away hungry, that’s for sure,” said Gordon.
Guests are encouraged to come in full lederhosen and dirndl and prizes will be awarded to the best male and female costume.
The event will include a silent auction and potentially a live auction for some of the items donated from Kamloops and Barriere area businesses.
Gordon said he’s looking forward to a good night of fun. “The Last two years it’s been really good, the dance floor’s been busy pretty well all night once the dinner’s over and, you know, people have really enjoyed themselves.”
Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at Barriere Country Feeds, the District of Barriere, Armour Mountain Office Services or from Lions members directly.
Gordon said ticket sales, so far have been down from last year, so he is hoping people plan to grab their tickets this week. A total of 110 tickets are available for the event and they cannot be sold at the door because it compromises the event’s licqor license.
Funds raised from Oktoberfest will go right back into local support programs, said Gordon.
The Lions donate to the local health unit to help them purchase vital equipment. They have an emergency fund for people who require temporary accommodation or transportation if their home has burned or they have medical issues.
They also donate to Camperships of Camp Winfield, the camp for children with disabilities, and they support the Barriere bursary society for high school graduation bursaries.
Gordon said they are always trying to support their community and Oktoberfest is just another great way to help the Lions do so.
“Just come on out and have a good time,” he said.