31st Annual Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest is Right Around the Corner

Known as Carlsbad’s premier family event,  Oktoberfest annually draws thousands of visitors from Carlsbad and throughout the area. Admission is free. Tickets for the traditional German feast catered by Tip Top Meats are $10 in advance (visit www.rotaryoktoberfest.org) and $12 on-site.

The Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest is taking place Saturday, October 5, 2013 from Noon-10 pm at Holiday Park located on Pio Pico Drive between Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive. Free shuttle service to and from Westfield Plaza Camino Real operates throughout the event. 

In addition to the delicious dinner, family-friendly Oktoberfest offers a full menu of activities, featuring nonstop music and entertainment, a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating contest, an antique fire engine for kids to climb aboard, and much more.  Fine craft and domestic beers, including special Oktoberfest brews, will be available as will food vendors throughout the event. Other special Oktoberfest touches include a not-to-be-missed yodeling contest at approximately 7 pm. Back by popular demand are the Bluebirds German band and The Last Call rock band; the two bands will alternate sets on stage from 5:15-10 pm.

Now in its 31st year, Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest is a unique event. Co-chair Phil Urbina of the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary explains, “It began in 1982 as a small fundraiser to help the late Glenn McComas , a former  Carlsbad City Councilmember and Rotarian who became paralyzed from the neck down after falling off a ladder. Our two clubs came together to raise funds to renovate Glenn’s house to accommodate his disability so he could return home from the V.A Hospital. Rotarians not only raised the money, but accomplished all of the remodeling.”

Every year since then, the two Rotary clubs have happily joined forces to present Oktoberfest for the benefit of worthwhile nonprofits and betterment of the entire community. Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall, a Rotarian, states, “Oktoberfest is a Carlsbad tradition and fun for the entire family. Every dime raised goes to support worthy local causes.”

A Family Festival With Wide-Ranging Benefits

This year, some three dozen sponsors and more than 200 volunteers are working to make the event a success. Co-chair  John Thill of the Carlsbad Rotary Club reports, “We’re hoping to net $70,000 from Oktoberfest 2013. Proceeds will support our two organizations’ wide array of programs and services. In addition, this year’s beneficiaries are Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center, Carlsbad Fire Explorers and Carlsbad Police Explorers, all of which are sending volunteers to work at the event.” 

Discovery Center Executive Director and Rotarian Lisa Rodman reports that the Center will use the funds to expand the Environmental Stewardship Field Trip Program currently educating more than 8,000 North County third-grade students. She believes, “Oktoberfest is a great family event that brings the community out to play for the day while exposing people to both Rotary and Agua Hedionda, and bringing in revenue to assure that the environment of our great city is cared for responsibly for future generations to cherish.”

For complete details on the October 5th Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest, including information on activities and free shuttle service, visit www.rotaryoktoberfest.org. For information on Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary, visit http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?accountid=9004; the Carlsbad Rotary Club, http://www.carlsbadrotary.com/.

–Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest Press Release