Ridgefield’s annual Oktoberfest is set to bring vendors, music and beer from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Abrams Park.
This year, the Ridgefield Main Street team has passed the torch of hosting Oktoberfest to the Ridgefield Lions Club.
Steve Dronen, chair of the Lions Club Oktoberfest Committee, is enthusiastic about the opportunity. Although this is the group’s first year hosting a large event on its own, Dronen noted that support from committee members and local volunteers led to a smooth transition and successful event-planning process.
“It’s [not] difficult with the amount of help that we have and the amount of volunteers and people involved in the committee itself,” Dronen said.
The annual event has been relocated from Outlook Park to Abrams Park this year, which simplifies preparations for the Lions Club. The club has previously co-hosted Ridgefield’s Sausage Fest at Abrams Park, making it a familiar and well-suited venue due to the space available for activities. However, with its new role as the sole host of Oktoberfest, the Lions Club will no longer host Sausage Fest, ending its three-year run.
The Lion’s Club will continue the Oktoberfest tradition with its popular wiener dog race and cornhole tournament. Guests are encouraged to wear German attire, as the festivities will also include a lederhosen contest. The kids area will feature a variety of carnival-style games, balloon figures and face painting.
For adults, the beer garden will be situated between Bennett Hall and the outdoor stage. Attendees can enjoy a selection of beers from Craig Stein Beverage, Ridgefield Craft Brewing and Battle Ground’s Barrel Mountain, with Coors Light available for those who prefer a domestic brew. Lions Club volunteers will offer bratwursts, hot dogs and pretzels, while local food vendors will provide German pork schnitzel, mac and cheese, Reuben sandwiches and more. Dronen emphasized the Lions Club’s commitment to involving local vendors this year.
“That’s a big thing for the Ridgefield Lions … not just using the funds that we fundraise to help through our community, but just to show support as well [for] organizations within our community.”
Live music will keep the crowd entertained throughout the event. The Low Keys will kick off the music early in the afternoon, followed by the popular local band Cellar Rats. The Playlist from Portland will perform a two-hour set of danceable tunes in the evening.
Proceeds from ticket sales and the Lions Club kitchen will directly benefit the Lions Club programs. Aside from its participation in the Clark County Fair, Dronen expects Oktoberfest to be a major fundraising event to support the community.
“We use that money throughout the year to help in our community, whether it be scholarships for kids in schools, whether it be for Boy Scouts, whether it be for helping a family in need,” Dronen said.
General admission costs $25 and includes a keepsake pint glass and two drink tokens. VIP tickets are priced at $40 and come with a 20 ounce mug and three tokens. Tickets for people ages 13 to 20 are $10 and include one free hot dog from the Lions Club booth. Admission is free for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.com/e/oktoberfest-pre
sented-by-the-ridgefield-lions-club-tickets-952398328037.
