A little Oktoberfest in the North Peace, for a pretty good cause

You probably don't have to work too hard to convince people around Fort St. John to get together for some good food, a few locally brewed drinks and a little friendly competition, especially when there's a good cause behind the night too.

That's what the Sunrise Rotary Club is putting together Sept. 19, when Oktoberfest returns to the Fort St. John Curling Club for an evening that should have a little bit of everything, while raising money for 4U Youth here at home.

The local organization provides a safe and welcoming place for young people to connect, feel heard and belong, with trained leaders and volunteers there to support the youth who come through their doors.

“Oktoberfest is an opportunity for our community to come together, have a great evening and help support an organization doing important work for young people in Fort St. John,” said Chris Plant, one of the organizers of the event.

“4U Youth is creating a place where young people know they are welcome and supported, and we are pleased to make their work part of this year’s event.”

And there should be lots happening once the doors open, with Mighty Peace Brewing Co., Post & Row Brewing Co. and Trench Brewing & Distilling bringing some Northern B.C. brewing into the mix for the evening.

There will also be food, entertainment and music from DJ Timber LeClerc, along with Hammerschlagen, axe throwing, cornhole, a stein-holding competition, costume contest, Chicken Dance and door prizes throughout the night.

Oktoberfest runs from 6 p.m. to midnight at the Fort St. John Curling Club, with tickets priced at $50 until Sept. 12 before going up to $60 beginning Sept. 13.

That ticket includes food, one drink ticket, an Oktoberfest stein and entry into the door prize raffle, while Rotary will also be announcing locations where people can pick up tickets in person through its Facebook page.

The Sunrise Rotary Club is still welcoming additional sponsors as well, giving local businesses and organizations another way to get behind the evening and help Rotary raise some money for 4U Youth.

And if you plan on enjoying the Oktoberfest side of Oktoberfest, organizers have thought about the trip home too, with a safe ride service available until 1 a.m.

For a Saturday night in the North Peace, food, some locally brewed drinks, a bunch of games and a room full of people raising money for local youth doesn't sound like too bad of a way to spend it.