The 5th annual Oktoberfest fundraiser for the University of Idaho Lutheran Campus Ministry (LCM) begins 4 p.m. Saturday at the 1912 Center.
The two-hour event serves as LCM’s main fundraiser, helping to provide free weekly meals for LCM students and support through the UI Campus Christian Center for other students in need.
Since the Lutheran faith originates from Germany, Saturday’s event will have traditional German attire, cuisine, music and dance. New additions this year include student performers and polka dance lessons.
LCM Minister Karla Neumann Smiley said she worked in collaboration with the UI Lionel Hampton School of Music, gathering a group of students to perform. The live student band, “Traffyc Jam,” replaces the group “Auf Gehts,” who were unable to attend this year.
Smiley said she is looking forward to polka lessons from a local couple because it is a high-energy dance, originating in Central Europe.
The 1912 Center is a great venue for an open dance floor, she said. Everyone is welcome to wear whatever they are comfortable in — from costumes to formal or casual apparel.
“Last year was a stellar year and the attendance exceeded our expectations,” Smiley said. “I am excited again for this year, because the event has great energy, and I look forward to walking around and greeting people from Lutheran churches, the community and the university.”
Smiley said most Oktoberfest celebrations are created around the enjoyment of beer, but this event is focused primarily on homemade local food with some beer and wine for sale.
She said the event is family friendly with a suggested donation of $15 per person. The donation will cover all-you-can-eat German cuisine, but the donation caps at $50 for larger families.
Mikayla Sievers, a graduate student and LCM representative, said everyone should attend the annual event because it is a great way to absorb German culture.
She said she enjoys the potato salad, which is made by a local family. Bratwursts from Vandal Meats, rolls from the Moscow Food Co-Op and an ample amount of other German sides and desserts will also be available.
“I have been involved with Oktoberfest since its creation five years ago, and I am excited to reconnect with old friends and meet new people again this year,” Sievers said. “While Lutheran Campus Ministry is hosting the event, we are a nondenominational, multicultural group who welcomes all faiths and backgrounds, truly making all of our events open to everyone.”
Allison Spain can be reached at [email protected]