‘Elktoberfest’ comes to Pine Island this weekend
Each fall, area German-American clubs host very popular festivals known as Ocktoberfests. These events are filled with German cuisine, lively polka music and, of course, beer and lots of it. To replicate this, the Pine Island Elks will host their own version, Elktoberfest, to take place this weekend. On Saturday members and non-members alike are welcome to join in on the fun at the Pine Island Elks Lodge from noon to 9 p.m.
Authentic German dishes will be served and include brats, knockwurst, homemade German potato pancakes, red cabbage, sauerkraut and many kinds of cakes.
In addition to great food, the day also will feature performances by Peter and Edith of the Dynamic Duo who will perform favorites for those wanting to work off lunch on the dance floor with a mix of contemporary songs and tunes. Also during Elktoberfest will be a performance by Don Ostrowsky with his accordion.
Don Ostrowsky is well known throughout Lee County for his performances at various venues including the annual Oktoberfest for the Christ Lutheran Church in Cape Coral each March. His authentic German polkas and dance music are a popular draw for those who like to kick up their heels on the dance floor.
“In addition to polkas and waltzes, I also play a lot of standards. This is happy music and I am sure everyone attending the event at the Elks will have a good time,” said Ostrowksy. “I am really looking forward to playing at the Elks and it is my hope that they will make it a two day event next year.”
In addition to performances in the Cape, Ostrowsky also plays 16 weeks in Georgia each year.
“Many of the people in the Blueridge Mountains of Georgia are like many of the seasonal people on Pine Island. They come from places like Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin where this kind of music is still very popular. In fact, in the Bavarian Village that I play in, next summer I will be playing three nights a week for a total of five and a half months,” Ostrowsky said.
Ostrowsky will take the stage at 2:30 p.m. during Elktoberfest.
To round out the musical line-up will be the ever popular Elks Volunteer Band.
“Even though I won’t be playing until the afternoon, I plan to be there the entire day as I understand the food will be great and I would like to get to know the people on the island,” he said. “It will be my first time playing on the island and I am looking forward to seeing the other performers as well.”
Admission to the event is just $2 at the door.
This event is planned to be an annual event to raise funds for the many island charities that are supported by the Pine Island Elks.
With funds raised throughout the year, members of the Elks contribute to Veteran Organizations, Pine Island Little League, High School Graduate Scholarships, the DARE Program, the Pine Island Pool Diving Team and the Fourth of July T-Shirt Program among others.
For more information about Elktoberfest, call Fred at 282-4359 or Wayne at 283-0649.