Oct. 14 Oktoberfest to benefit St. Nick’s

St. Nicholas Parish in Kinsley is sponsoring an Oktoberfest celebration, Saturday, Oct. 14 in Kinsley, from 6 p.m. – Midnight. The evening will include dinner, a beer garden, games, a $500 cash drawing, costume contest, and dance.

The event will be at the pink building at the fairgrounds at South Park. Coming from east or west, take Hwy 183 south from Hwy 50 to the fairgrounds.

The $10 adult entry fee ($5 for children 12 and under) includes a German dinner of bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato salad, and bierocks, entry into the cash drawing, and the dance. The cost of the dance only is $5.

According to Vicky Haskell, a member of the St. Nick’s Oktoberfest Committee, the St. Nicholas Parish fund-raiser is embracing members of its growing Spanish-speaking community by inviting them to provide Mexican food at the celebration, which will be offered in addition to the German food.

Participants will dance the night away from 8 p.m. to midnight, both to German polkas, and to a few select songs from south of the border.

"We wanted to work with our Spanish-speaking people in our parish and bring everyone together," Haskell said. "It’s Oktoberfest around the world. They are making enchiladas, rice and beans."

Events will include games such as horseshoes ("washers" for the children), a penny toss, and others. Those who wish to take part in the German costume contest are invited to don their best lederhosen or dirndl.

In addition to the $500 cash drawing, there will be a separate drawing for children.

"The pastoral council and the finance council thought this would be something we could do together to benefit the parish and have a good time," Haskell said. "Some ladies and men already have made 450 bierocks. There are a lot of German people in this community."

Beer will be sold at the beer garden – manned by the Knights of Columbus — for an extra cost. Confirmation class members will help serve the meals.

"We’re really looking forward to the celebration," Haskell said, speaking for the committee. "We’re hoping to make it an annual event. All proceeds will go towards the church."

Call Jennifer Fuller, (620) 659-3768, or Vicky Haskell, (620) 659-3509, if you have questions.