4th Oktoberfest oompahs in2 min read

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Larson Newspapers
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Nick Hastings, Rick Wesselhoff, Will Robinson, Mary Millar, Randy Sosin and Mike Hughes, from left, of Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks, dress up in their German attire during their meeting to generate interest for this year’s Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 22, at Posse Grounds Park from 4 to 9 p.m. with live music, food and 10 Arizona beer companies. The Naughty Bits will headline the music lineup. Jordan Reece/Larson Newspapers

Despite a few growing pains at its new location last year, organizers of the fourth annual Red Rocks Oktoberfest are confident things will get back on course this year.

The Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks is again hosting the event, which is set for Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Posse Grounds Park. Gates open at 4 p.m. This traditional German celebration of the harvest season features more than 10 local brewers showcasing their finest beers. Tickets to attend will be $30 at the door or $25 per if bought in advance online. All proceeds will support the club’s Red Rock High School scholarship program and its mission of supporting programs for local children’s charities.

“I’m pretty excited for this year,” said Rick Wesselhoff, the event’s biermeister. “I think we’ll have one of the best selections of local beers in one place in all of Northern Arizona. People constantly tell me that it’s the best party of the year here in Sedona.”

Authentic German Oktoberfest food will be served onsite as well, including beer-roasted bratwurst, German potato salad, sauerkraut served by three different food trucks.

Oktoberfest entertainment will include the oopmah sounds of Polka Katzen from Flagstaff and headline band — Sedona’s own The Naughty Bits.

Last year was the first time the event was held at Posse Grounds, after being at Los Abrigados the first two. Wesselhoff said that the new venue may have played a part in why their numbers were down by at least 200 patrons. But most of that had to do with the fact the event was competing against a pair of other Oktoberest events in Flagstaff and Clarkdale.

“The location itself is perfect for us,” he said. “It has lots of space to grow, great views and plenty of parking.”

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Participating brewers will be brewing their own versions of these traditional beers. Participants include:

  • Oak Creek Brewing [Sedona]
  • THAT Brewery [Cottonwood]
  • Lumberyard Brewing [Flagstaff]
  • Mother Road Brewing [Flagstaff]
  • Wren House Brewing [Phoenix]
  • Mother Bunch Brewing [Phoenix]
  • Grand Canyon Brewing [Williams]
  • Four Peaks Brewing [Tempe]
  • College Street Brewery [Lake Havasu]
  • Mudshark Brewery [Lake Havasu]
  • Sedona Golf Resort will provide all the local wine for the event

Wesselhoff said the event wouldn’t be possible without the donations of their many sponsors.

“I’m happy they see the value of this event and what it means for Sedona,” he said.

Since its inception, Red Rocks Rotary has focused on serving the needs of young people in Sedona and the Verde Valley.

Donations allow the group to continue funding countless several other programs including West Sedona School Summer reading, Sedona Teacher of the Year, Christmas Giving, Give Kids a Smile, ongoing support for Rainbow Acres residents and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit redrocksoktoberfest.com. or contact Wesselhoff at 340-5012. This is a 21 and over event.

Larson Newspapers

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