Live entertainment, German food — from bratwurst to pretzels — and a beer tasting will comprise an Oktoberfest hosted Saturday by the Niles Elks.
“When we were planning activities we realized that there weren’t any Oktoberfest celebrations in the area and thought – that sounds like fun,” said Julie Clark, special events chairman at the Lodge. “Something outdoors with live music, lots of great food and an opportunity to enjoy fall before winter gets here.”
The craft-brewed beer tasting event, from 4 to 8 p.m., will feature 12 beers representing an assortment of brewing styles and ingredients. Tastings tickets will provide attendees with the opportunity to sample small portions with full-size glasses or bottles also available.
“If you are interested in craft-brewed beers, you’ll enjoy the beer tasting event,” Clark said. “We have a really great assortment of beers which will provide even the non-beer lover with an appreciation for the craft. It’s a great opportunity to taste beers that you might not normally be exposed to.”
Live entertainment kicks off at 4 p.m. with Christy Davis, a vocalist who plays guitar and keyboards. She offers a mix of acoustic, alternative and country music.
She regularly performs at Santaniello’s Ristorante and Tosi’s in Stevensville and at The Stray Dog in New Buffalo. Davis will be followed by DJ Fingers, who will spin tunes from 6 to 8 p.m.
The headline entertainment, 30 South out of Knox, Ind., will wrap up the event from 8 to 10 p.m. with an assortment of country, rock and Southern rock .
Support for the Oktoberfest has come from many organizations. The Apple Festival has donated its stage for the outdoor entertainment, H & B Tent Rental is  pitching a 20-by-40 “beer” tent in the parking lot, and Lowes has provided the temporary fencing required to expand the outdoor seating area at the Lodge. Other businesses have provided monetary support for the entertainment.
The money raised by the Oktoberfest will help the Elks support children in the community, including sports teams, project graduation, Southside Prom, Soccer shoot, Hoop Shoot and the “Pumpkin Patch” event.
for the exceptional citizens in the community. The Elks has an active Drug Awareness committee that raises funds annually to support drug awareness efforts in the schools and provides college scholarships to high school seniors.