The New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club (NBBRC) will hold its fifth annual Oktoberfest fundraiser on Friday, September 25, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center.
NBBRC has combined a traditional German harvest celebration, which had been held in New Bern for two decades, with their primary fundraiser. “All of the proceeds from Oktoberfest go directly to support our club’s main annual charitable event, Kicks for Kids,” explained NBBRC President, Gene Foster. “Through this event, which the New Bern Breakfast Rotary Club has been doing for 15 years, we provide over 300 pairs of shoes from the Athletes’ Foot to elementary school kids throughout Craven county annually. More proceeds mean more shoes for kids that really need them”.
This unique program enlists the cooperation of local school counselors, who identify the most needy youngsters. These children are given the opportunity to select and be properly fitted with a brand new pair of sturdy shoes.
Many lower income parents cannot afford quality shoes for their children. Youngsters are notorious for outgrowing, and wearing out, shoes at an alarming rate. And typically, suitable footwear cannot be found at thrift stores. Most of the children who come to the “Kicks for Kids” event arrive wearing shoes that do not fit properly, or have deteriorated far beyond their usable life. “You cannot imagine the difference a new pair of shoes makes until you see the eyes of the child when they receive them,” said Foster.
Since the first NBBRC Oktoberfest in 2011 at the New Bern Farmers’ Market, the event has grown to the point where a new venue had to be sought to accommodate the ever-increasing number of merry-makers. “The biggest difference this year,” said Foster, “is clearly the venue. Being at the convention center will allow us to accommodate more guests, which will help us raise more funds for “Kicks for Kids”. Additionally, the new venue helps us with a contingency plan should we have inclement weather, which we have fortunately never had to deal with.”
Adult tickets are $15.00 in advance, and $20.00 at the door. The advance ticket price will be honored at the door for all active duty military with ID. The ticket price includes entrance fee, a traditional Oktoberfest plate (bratwurst, roll, German potato salad and sauerkraut), as well as iced tea and water.
Children’s tickets (ages 6-12) are $5.00, and free for children five and under. Their meal includes a hot dog, chips, and drink.
Adult tickets may be purchased in advance through Thursday, September 24 at Mitchell’s Hardware, River Bend Country Club and Cravin’ Wine. Adult, children’s, beer & wine, and dessert tickets can be purchased in advance at http://NewBernRotary.org.
As in previous years, entertainment will be provided by the Harbour Towne Fest Band, a full size Oktoberfest ensemble for dancing and enjoyment.
New this year: participants will have the opportunity to compete for bragging rights in
The traditional Oktoberfest “Masskrugstemmen”, a contest of strength and determination.
Oktoberfest is generously supported by the following sponsors:
WITN, East Carolina’s Breaking News and Weather Authority
WRNS, Your Country 95.1
The New Bern Sun Journal
Ward and Smith, PA
B/S/H
Stubbs Perdue
Submitted by: Eileen Bress, Administrative Team Leader, Region 6, Monarch