BY RON ELAND

North Hawaii News

For 11 years, the Rotary Club of North Hawaii has been bringing a little taste of old Germany to Waimea. And this year will be no exception.

This year’s Oktoberfest event be held tomorrow night from 5-8 p.m. at the Pukalani Stables, which are now under the control of the Paniolo Preservation Society and recently received a much-needed facelift. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the gate (and includes two drink tickets) with kids 9 and under free.

Oktoberfest is one of two major Rotary fundraisers each year to raise funds for local high school scholarships and community grants. In addition to the scholarships, proceeds from ticket and beer sales go to a variety of community groups and needs such as the Honokaa Relay For Life, North Hawaii Hospice and Malaai Garden to name just a few.

“I think the event is successful each year because people have a lot of fun,” said Rotary President John Roth. “Everyone I’ve talked to has always enjoyed themselves. They enjoy seeing people in costumes not to mention the great food. It’s fun to have a bunch of vendors working together to form the food line.”

The food is an all-you-can-eat buffet lwith plenty of German and Bavarian items that will be mostly provided by local restaurants. Vendors include Eddie Aikau Restaurant, Blue Dragon, Sansei, Kekela Farms, Red Water Cafe, Waimea Coffee Company, Mauna Kea Hotel, Daniel’s Food Revolution, Sandwich Isle Bread Company, and more. And this year, Big Island Brewhaus will feature a special Oktoberfest beer brewed here in Waimea while Johnson Brothers, Inc. will provide German beer and wine importehttps://www.northhawaiinews.com/files/news/d from germany.

in describing his special brew, big island brewhaus owner thomas kerns said, “Our Oktoberfest Bier is a true traditional German Marzen style lager beer. It’s brewed with German barley, hops and yeast, Hawaiian water and lager-aged for nine weeks. It features a subtle malt-forward accent featuring a variety of German Munich-style barley malts and hopped delicately with a blend of German Hallertaur and Czech Saaz hops.”

In addition to the food, there will be plenty of entertainment. Music will be provided by Kona Brass while individuals from the Waimea Community Theatre will perform songs from the “Sound of Music.” And, Nancy Stephenson will again be roaming the Oktoberfest grounds with her accordion. And, of course, the Chicken Dance.

For the third year, the event will feature a silent auction with dozens of donated items from resorts, restaurants, stores and private individuals. All proceeds will benefit Waimea Country School.

For more information, call Dan at 885-6468.