By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews
YACHATS — Want to do good while having a barrel of a good time? Then roll out for the second annual Yachats Oktoberfest, which is brewing up music, food, dancing and beer Friday through Sunday.
The benefit weekend is a major fundraiser for Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, helping support the Yachats Food Pantry, emergency shelter and more services for people in need.
A traditional autumn festival that originated in Munich, Germany and draws millions there each year. The Yachats-style Oktoberfest promises a full weekend of fun with a German accent.
Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the Yachats Commons with the “Tapping of the keg” by Mayor Craig Berdie and other community leaders. The Yachats Oktoberfest song will be accompanied by a 12-piece accordion band, followed by Polkafest, a lively dance event.
While admission is free, a $10 ticket at the door will buy bratwurst, pretzels and beer. Participants can enter a raffle to win an accordion with lessons.
On Saturday, Sept. 28, the celebration spreads through town from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a “Volkswalk” (peoples’ walk). After picking up a free “passport” at the Commons Pavilion, participants can visit Yachats shops and get stamps to become eligible for prizes. New this year is a “Find the Gnomes” treasure hunt at the shops for children and adults.
The Oktoberfest dinner/dance Saturday evening is the festival highlight, with two seatings at the Commons – the first from 4-6 p.m. and the second from 7-9 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy a traditional German-style meal prepared by the owner of Organic Noodle in Florence, with beer provided by Rogue Brewery.
There will be dancing to music from the Accordion Polka Band and the Yachats Big Band. Each $50 ticket will entitle purchasers to the dinner, beer, and a commemorative Yachats Oktoberfest beer stein. Non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
With capacity limited to 100 diners at each seating, organizers urge those interested to buy tickets soon via this website.
The festival concludes with a traditional Harvest Worship service at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29 at the church, 360 W. Seventh St. The Polka Band will perform and accompany the hymns, with singing by the Oktoberfest Chorale. A German-themed reception will follow the service.
Helping people in need
Oktoberfest is one of the two major fundraisers conducted by the church each year – the other is a formal, themed dinner in the spring.
Proceeds from the two benefit programs help the church offer a range of community services for people in need, including the Yachats Food Pantry, emergency shelter for the unhoused, transportation vouchers, and connections to social services.
“If the church was not here, we wouldn’t have these activities and programs,” said church treasurer Nan Scott. “The money from Oktoberfest helps the church continue to provide community outreach.”
YCPC, which has about 50 church members, has budgeted to bring in $15,000 for its two major yearly fundraisers.
In addition to buying tickets for the Saturday night dinner, those wishing to support the church’s programs can make a tax-deductible donation here.