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Get the lederhosen ready it’s Oktoberfest time

Eight annual Oktoberfest will be held at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
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Six authentic German beers, along with other beverages, will be served at the eighth annual Oktoberfest at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre on Oct. 21. Western News file photo

Come out and enjoy some sauerkraut, bratwurst, a pint and dancing Saturday night all while helping raise money for the Patient Care Tower at the Penticton Hospital.

Money raised at the eighth annual Oktoberfest at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre is going towards a $30,000 donation to the hospital.

“We’re working towards raising money to name a room in the new tower for the Penticton Regional Hospital. We make about $10,000 a year. We’ve been putting money aside for the last few years to make it happen,” Barb Schneiderat, chair of the Penticton Oktoberfest Society, said.

For just $35 (plus applicable taxes) Oktoberfesters receive entry to the event, a souvenir mug and a pint or wine of their choice.

This year there will be six authentic German beers along with brews from Cannery Brewing. For the non-beer drinker there is cider from Summerhill Cidery and wines from Crescent Hills.

The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. and the dancing won’t stop till midnight.

Three bands will entertain the crowd. Penticton Oktoberfest darlings the Beerbarrels will return with their lively three-piece oom-pah pah dance band. The Alpen Plattlers will also perform again this year. The large Vancouver group strives to keep German Bavarian Schuhplattler dance alive.

Finishing out the evening will be Gypsy and the Rose a duo out of Chestermere, Alta., who play a variety of covers and originals.

“It’s one of those events that the dance floor is busy from the time the doors open till we close. It’s a fun time and we want everyone to come out and enjoy.”

The evening also includes a silent auction organized by the Rotary Club.

“It adds another fun element to the night and helps raise money for both of us,” she said.

Since Oktoberfest began, the society has donated between $40,000 and $50,000 to a variety of causes including Penticton and District Search and Rescue, the SS Sicamous restoration work and schools in the community.

Tickets are available to buy in person at the Valley First Box Office (at the SOEC) and online at www.ValleyFirstTix.com, or by phone: 1-877-763-2849.