Greetings, fellow Oak Lawnians!
The Oak Lawn Raiders Social and Athletic Club will host its annual Oktoberfest event from 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 26 at Homestead Barr, 9306 Central Ave., Oak Lawn.
Scott Harris, a 21-year member of the club and event committee member, said the idea to host an Oktoberfest came up about seven years ago. He recalls the proceeds from that first Oktoberfest “went to a local shelter for homeless Vietnam vets. Now, each year, we donate the money to something else, like feeding the needy, helping vets or others who need help,” Harris said.
Although it’s called Oktoberfest, the event always takes place in September.
“That’s how they do it in Germany,” Harris said, referring to the traditional German fest that runs for more than two weeks, beginning in mid-September. “Just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, tents will be set up for rain, along with outdoor fire pits in the event it’s cold.”
About 125 to 150 people usually come out to support Oktoberfest and the Raiders.
“We’d always like to see more,” Harris said. “Every year, it’s gotten bigger, and we’re expecting a bigger turnout this year.”
The Raiders start planning for Oktoberfest several months ahead of time, and almost half of the organization’s members are needed to successfully host the event. Committees are formed to take on each of the various tasks, such as getting donations from local vendors for food and beer, as well as setting up and cleaning up.
German beer, bratwurst and other German fare will be available, including the popular German pretzels.
“It’s definitely a family event,” Harris said. “We’ll also have pop, hot dogs and burgers for the kids. We’ll have raffles, a bean bag tournament, DJ and a strudel bake-off.”
The strudel judges will be Mike Neu, a Raider, and the attendees. The strudel winner will be chosen based on appearance, taste and other criteria.
Harris said of the contestants, “We’ve had anywhere from seven, 12 or 15, but every year it’s different mainly because of the weather. There’s a lot of ‘Raiders women’ who bake strudel for the contest, but the bake-off is open to anybody. We’re also giving out gift cards to the first- and second-place winners.”
The club has a 40-year history in Oak Lawn. Its main purpose is to raise money for charities and people in need in Oak Lawn, as well as nearby communities. Last year, the club made donations to Make-A-Wish, Park Lawn, a breast cancer foundation, Advocate Children’s Hospital, local food pantries and others in need.
The popular club has 55 members plus a wait list for new members to join.
For Oktoberfest or membership information, contact Neu at (708) 205-4887 or visit the Raiders’ website at www.raiderssac.com.
‘Celebrity’ announcements
Here are this week’s featured “celebrity” announcements:
Happy birthday to Ellie Makuch, who’s turning 2, from her parents and her brothers, Jack and Luke. Happy 12th birthday to Dylan Suchy and Nelson Quintana, from their families. Birthday wishes go out to Matthew Berger, who’s turning 13. Aislee Klups’ family wish her a happy 14th birthday.
Birthday wishes go out to Declan Brown and Lisa Truesdale, each turning 17. Happy birthday to Tom DeMoss, who’s turning 19, from his parents, Diane and Jim, and Andie. Birthday wishes go out to Kody Frega, from his parents. Happy birthday to Jeffrey Bauer and also to his parents, Beverly and Jeffrey.
Happy birthday to Bill Kalant, who’s turning 27, from his parents, Kathy and Tony. Happy 28th birthday to Stephanie Laidlaw, from her parents. Happy 28th birthday to Laura Baikie and Mike Walwent. Special birthday wishes go out to Dawn Carlsen, from her grandchildren, Jonathan, Grace, Jilliann, Steven and Erica.
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Happy birthday to Heather Gilligan, from her husband, Tim, their children and family. Birthday wishes go out to Vicki Brooks, from Frank, Tim, Kristen, Eddie, Teddy and Meaner. Happy birthday to Donna Burns. Happy birthday to Russell Markle, who’s turning 95, from Clare and their family.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Sean and Alena Aurnada on their third anniversary; Dana and Beth Escamilla for their eighth anniversary; Michael and Marcie Sanfratello for their 11th anniversary; Christopher and Bonnie Reich for their 13th anniversary; Michael and Patricia Fitzgerald for their 15th anniversary; Kurt and Yvonne Wilamowsky for their 16th anniversary; Charlie and Debbie Gonsowsky for their 23rd anniversary; Kevin and Michelle Cappel for their 31st anniversary; and Jim and Helen Cosentino for their 55th anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or within the community. Contact me on my cell at (708) 899-9544 or email me at [email protected].
Until next time …
Cheryl Petzel is a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown.