Tickets are still available for this year’s annual Hilo Bay Oktoberfest.
The Rotary Club of Hilo is preparing for the 23rd annual Oktoberfest, which will bring family-friendly fun to Sangha Hall from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
The annual event is the Rotary Club’s biggest fundraiser and will help raise money for Maui recovery and relief efforts and future local projects.
“The Hawaii Rotary District created a Maui Wildfires Relief Fund. Funds raised through Oktoberfest will be used for immediate and long-term recovery and relief for victims of the fires,” said James Tyrin, co-chair of Oktoberfest. “This year, we thought raising money for Maui relief would be the best, as there are so many folks in need there.”
Oktoberfest is a traditional festival that originated in Munich, Germany. The tradition has expanded over two centuries and has grown popular throughout the world.
Those attending the Hilo Bay Oktoberfest will have plenty of authentic German food, beer and refreshments to enjoy, along with live music from Vizion 20/20.
There also will be a costume contest and a silent auction filled with exciting experiences and items that will be ongoing throughout the night.
In 1999, the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay’s founding president and past district governor, Pete Muller, and his wife, Roberta, introduced Oktoberfest to the club. Since then, it has grown into a major event for the club and the Hilo community.
The Mullers will be receiving a shoutout during this year’s festivities.
“It all started with (Roberta) cooking German meals for the club at the Wailoa River State (Recreation Area). Then, it grew to fill Aunty Sally’s, and now, to Sangha Hall,” Tyrin said. “It’s a great event, and it’s been amazing to see it expand and help the community more each year with the funds raised.”
Big Island Brewhaus, Hilo Brewing Co., and an up-and coming-brewery Wailuku Brew Works will be donating beer for the event.
The Rotary Club is thankful to have the support from businesses and individuals who decide to sponsor and donate as a way to give back to the community.
“The main focus for this year is really helping our brothers and sisters in Maui, and it’s the least we can do to contribute to recovery efforts,” Tyrin said. “Hilo is a great community, because everyone always chips in and comes together to help our neighbors.”
Those interested in sponsoring or buying tickets to Oktoberfest can do so on the Rotary Club’s website at hilooktoberfest.com.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
