From Left: Deiadre Rauch, June Kelly, Begona Morton, with the Bavarian Horn Band playing in the background
  

The Rotary Club of Great Falls hosted a lively, fun Oktoberfest event on Oct. 4 in conjunction with the Grange Foundation, bringing together community members including local residents, charities and businesses for an evening of fun, food and fellowship, all while raising funds for local initiatives.

John Burke, Organizing Committee member, remarked, “It is the one event of the year where we are trying to bring everyone together to celebrate community, the Fall and Oktoberfest.” The event attracted a diverse crowd, with families, friends and neighbors coming together to enjoy traditional German fare, including bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, and an array of beverages. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a combination of an outdoor Biergarten and indoor celebration; clear blue skies and mild temperatures set the stage for an enjoyable time.

Jorge Adeler, Founder of Adeler Jewelers and President of the Great Falls Grange Foundation, highlighted the significance of local community bonding and expressed his excitement about the event's success. “I saw the parking lot full until the last space. This is what we have been dreaming about. You can have a community of strangers or friends. This is supposed to be the heart of Great Falls. This is where people embrace each other, make jokes and this is where you are turning into a human.” 

As the evening progressed, attendees raised their steins to a delightful selection of craft beers from Lost Barrel Brewing. Guests particularly enjoyed their Oktoberfest-style Märzen, a light and easy-to-drink lager that perfectly complemented the hearty German cuisine served by Oliver’s Corner Butcher Shop. Adding to the autumnal spirit, Lost Barrel Brewing also offered a Fall favorite pumpkin beer infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, which was a hit. For those looking for another refreshing note, the brewery showcased a Hazy IPA, providing a contrast with its fruity and aromatic notes. 

IB Barghout, a Great Falls resident and organizing committee member commented, “It is an absolutely great event to pull together the best efforts of the community pulling in Rotary Club and the Great Falls Grange Foundation with support of other community members. It is really a fun community event that in the end supports our community and its charities.”

Julie Maher, Executive Director, Great Falls Grange Foundation echoed the sentiment “This Oktoberfest is an amazing combination of what our foundation wants. We are here to support the community events to raise funds for nonprofits and other foundations, and have great events.” The organizers were very excited to support Cornerstones and the Great Falls Grange Foundation, as two of the charities benefited by the event.

As guests mingled and enjoyed their meals, the vibrant atmosphere continued as live music filled the air, setting a joyful tone for the evening. The Bavarian Horn Band played a mix of traditional German tunes and contemporary favorites, encouraging guests to dance and join in the merriment throughout the evening. 

As the sun set, and the evening came on, a lively award ceremony took place, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. The award for Best Male Lederhosen Costume went to Brian Thinnes, whose traditional outfit wowed the judges. In the female category, Sharon Zimmerman took home the prize for Best Female Dirndl Costume, showcasing her vibrant and beautifully styled attire. The highlight of the ceremony was the competition for Best Yodeling, which drew a talented group of participants. The crowd erupted in cheers as Eileen Curtis was crowned the winner after delivering an impressive performance that outshone her peers. 

In addition to the tickets purchased by the attendees, the event committee also thanked its sponsors. Anonymous at Bavarian Level, June Kelly at Munich Level, and the following at Festhaus Level: Anonymous, Julie Casso, Costa Dentistry, Brigitte Barghout (Thermomix), Micael Beyer, Cory Clark Designs and Gary Pan. 

Tom Tucker, Great Falls resident, added “I am very excited that our community could come together and we had people from many charities participate. And we also had people not from charities, participate in this unique community,” 

June Kelly, President of the Rotary Club of Great Falls VA, remarked, “It was great to see so many people from our community attend the Oktoberfest event for an evening of fellowship and fun entertainment, while giving back to worthy causes.  The partnership between the Great Falls Grange Foundation and our Rotary Club of Great Falls signifies how impactful we can be.”

The success of this Oktoberfest is a testament to the power of community spirit and collaboration. The Rotary Club of Great Falls VA continues to demonstrate that when a community comes together, incredible things can happen. 

    Guests enjoying Biergarten: Includes Tim Bouchard, past Rotary Club of Great Falls President Gary Pan and Women’s Club of Great Falls President Coryann Clark