Westboro will once again be raising a stein this fall as the Bytown Oktoberfest returns to the neighbourhood for its second year.
Hosted by the Bytown Masonic Hall at 430 Churchill Ave. N., the event will take place from noon to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17. Admission is $10, and each attendee will receive a free pretzel.
Last year, about 800 people attended the event. Organizers are hoping to welcome more than 1,000 people this year.
“The more the merrier,” said local Oktoberfest organizer Brodie Fraser. “It’s a good time, a lot of fun.”
The event will feature live music from a local band, craft beer served in traditional steins and a Bavarian-inspired menu. Braumeister Brewing Co., a local Bavarian-inspired craft brewery, will supply the beer.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to take guided tours of the Bytown Masonic Lodge throughout the day. The lodge, which was established in 1969, operates out of a more than 100-year-old heritage building.
The event will also include a silent auction featuring local gift cards, experiences and specialty items. Attendees will receive a Prost Pass offering shopping perks at participating Westboro businesses.
For Fraser, the event is about more than celebrating Oktoberfest.
“We are definitely planning to hold Oktoberfest every year in the future,” he said. “It is a way for us to offer something in the community and support our fellow businesses here in Westboro.”
Last year’s event raised $3,000 for Harvest House. The charity receiving proceeds from this year’s Oktoberfest had not yet been announced at the time of the publication.
The Bytown Lodge is associated with Ottawa District 2 Masonic Lodges, which selects the charities to support through major fundraising events. Fraser said the organization chooses local charities that serve Ottawa residents.The lodge currently has 42 registered members, though more than 300 people have been members over the years.
“We have been a proud member of the Westboro community since we formed,” Fraser said. “We are also proud to offer guided tours of our building during the Oktoberfest activities.”
The event is intended to attract both Westboro residents and visitors from across Ottawa.
“It’s a great community event for Westboro and for people from all over,” Fraser said.