Staff
Mehr bier, bitte!
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is busy planning its first-annual “Oktoberfest” dinner and celebration.
Set for Friday, Oct. 10 at the Legion, Chamber manager Annely Armstrong-Thorstad said tickets are on sale now.
They cost $25 each, and are available at Betty’s, From the Grind Up, and the Chamber office (upstairs at the credit union).
But Armstrong-Thorstad warned people had better get them fast as just 125 tickets will be sold—and only until next Friday (Oct. 3).
She explained ticket sales have to be cut off then so the Legion ladies know how many people to cook for.
Armstrong-Thorstad said it promises to be “a great meal,” which will include traditional fare such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, German potato dumplings, and Black Forest cake.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner being served at 6:30.
Armstrong-Thorstad clarified that people only have to buy a ticket in advance if they want the meal.
They are welcome are to show up at the Legion later on and pay a reduced price at the door to take part in the post-dinner festivities.
She noted there will be music, games, prizes, party favours, and more.
One game will be “Hammerschlagen,” where competitors have to drive five nails into a round piece of wood as quickly as possible.
The best time wins, and there will be a men’s and women’s champion.
There also will be a stein-holding contest for both men and women.
Armstrong-Thorstad said she’s hopeful Jon Evans, who won a similar contest at the “Oktoberfest” fundraiser staged by the Riverside Foundation for Health Care back in 2009, will be on hand to defend his crown.
She also noted the organizing committee is learning a lot by putting together “Oktoberfest” and if it’s a hit, the Chamber will strive to make it an annual event.
“Next year, we’ll be able to have much bigger event,” Armstrong-Thorstad reasoned. “But for this year, we’ll test the waters with it.
“I think it will be fun.”
“Oktoberfest” is sponsored by the Chamber, Legion Br. #29 and the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary, Unison Benefits Corp., Betty’s, Ink Spotz Apparel+, and La Place Rendez-Vous.
Looking ahead, the RBC and Chamber are teaming up to celebrate October as “Small Business Month.”
As such, all businesses across Rainy River District are urged to join them for a “Business After Hours” event set for Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the RBC branch here.
There will be refreshments and prizes, and people can learn about the new “Payd” smartphone payment system.
This will be catered by Cater 2 U, Tess’ Kitchen, and Boston Pizza.
Then in November, the Chamber will be working with the BIA on the annual “Festival of Frost,” as well as holding another Christmas tree auction.
