Sunrise Rotary's Oktoberfest Draws More than 300

Ooom, pah-pah, ooom, pah-pah! The Bavarian harvest season spirit was celebrated Saturday night by the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise, which for the first time staged an Oktoberfest at the Nativity of Christ Greek Orthodox Church.

More than 300 people showed up Oktoberfest wearing costumes of their own or those provided by the club. The Sunrise Rotary, with just under 50 members, organized the event and served beer, brautwurst, chicken and German potato salad. Guests danced the Polka and learned the  “chicken dance” to the music of a German-style “ooom-pah” band. 

Club President Harry Thomas called Oktoberfest a smashing success.

"The community of Novato turned out in force to support our club and its community activities. They also had a great deal of fun," he said.

The Greek church was decorated with authentic German trimmings and many attendees came in full Bavarian costume, giving the place the look and feel of a Munich beer hall. Festive folks found themselves in a conga line — "yes, a conga line at an Oktoberfest ... go figure," Thomas said — and doing the "chicken dance." Attendees went through 400 sausages, 100 chickens, 80-plus pounds of potato salad, mountains of cabbage, sauerkraut, apple strudel and ice cream. Beer was provided by Moylan's Brewery Restaurant.

"I was astounded by how many people were dancing," club member Mike Di Giorgio said.

The event was a fundraiser for community and international projects and supported by many local businesses who donated silent auction items, food and drink. The club meets at 7:15 a.m. Tuesday at Moylan's Brewery & Restaurant on Rowland Way. To learn more about the club, click here.

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