After holding a very successful first-time event last year, the Pine Island Elks Lodge will host its second annual Elktoberfest this weekend.
Due to an overwhelming request for more oompha-pah music and polkas, organizers have determined that this event could be spread over a two-day period. Beginning on Saturday, Jan. 30, festivities will take place from noon to 9 p.m. and again on Sunday, Jan. 31 from noon to 5 p.m. Modeled after the very successful Oktoberfest staged at the German-American Club in Cape Coral, Elktoberfest will offer up live entertainment and authentic German foods and traditional beverages.
Members and non-members are welcome to join in the fun and while ample parking is available around the Lodge located at the island center, attendees can expect to pay a $4 entry fee. Tickets will be available at the door.
On the menu for this event will be brats, German potato pancakes with apple sauce, red cabbage and German potato salad.
Kicking off the entertainment will be the popular Don Ostrowsky who annually serves as the host of Oktoberfest for the Christ Lutheran Church in Cape Coral.
“I am very excited about the Pine Island Elks extending this to a two-day event,” said Ostrowsky. “Polkas, waltzes and standards are very happy music and I am sure everyone attending the event at the Elks will have a good time. I am really looking forward to it.”
In addition to the Lutheran Church Oktoberfest, Ostrowsky is well known throughout Lee County and performs at various venues in and around the Pine Island area. His flare for reading his audience often finds attendees wasting no time kicking up their heels on the dance floor.
Later on Saturday evening, music will be provided by Sepp and Heinz taking those participating to the close of the first day.
Then on Sunday, heating things up again will be Peter and Edith of the Dynamic Duo. This pair will keep the Elktoberfest moving at a high pitch throughout the afternoon. Both Peter and Edith as well as Sepp and Heinz are regularly featured entertainers at the German-American Social Club in Cape Coral.
In addition to the food and music, several vendors will be on hand both days to offer unique shopping opportunities.
In addition to 50/50s which will be drawn each day of the event, also offered will be raffles for gift certificates to Just For Fun Boat Excursions, Alden Pines Golf Course, Gulf Kayak, Vesuvios, Moretti’s, Miceli’s, Bert’s Bar and Grill, the Waterfront Restaurant, Woody’s Waterside, the Waterside Restaurant, Low Key Tiki and Unos.
Proceeds from this event will benefit veterans organizations, Pine Island Little League, High School Graduate Scholarships, the DARE program, The Pine Island Pool Diving Team, Fourth of July activities as well as other island charities supported by the Pine Island Elks Lodge.
For more information, call Fred Strong at 282-4359.