The steins will be raised again this fall as Kamloops Oktoberfest returns Oct. 24 to raise money for the Sun Peaks Alpine Ski Club.

The annual fundraiser has been running for 14 years and typically draws between 200 and 250 people, according to organizer Jennifer Davis. The event combines fundraising with an evening of food, dancing, games and auctions.

Davis, who sits on the Sun Peaks Alpine Club board of directors, took over organizing duties after the previous organizer stepped down.

“We started organizing about six months before the event,” Davis said. “At that time, we’re booking vendors, making sure we have all the fun stuff in place for the people who are attending to do.”

The fundraiser supports the club’s ski racing program. Money raised helps keep fees lower and gives young racers access to racing equipment and required safety gear.

For organizers, securing donations and sponsorships for the auctions can be one of the more difficult parts of preparing for the fundraiser.

“Some of our biggest challenges are finding event sponsors and donations for our live and silent auction,” Davis said.

This year’s event will follow the format that attendees have come to expect, with German-themed food, dancing, pretzels, games, and auctions. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the keg tapping taking place at 6 p.m.

Each attendee will receive a souvenir beer stein, which will be used for the keg tapping before going home with its owner.

Bavarian dress is also a familiar sight at the fundraiser. Davis estimates about 80 per cent of attendees arrive in Oktoberfest costumes, although dressing up is not a requirement.

“You don’t need to come fully decked out in a dirndl or lederhosen, but it definitely would add to your experience coming in costume,” Davis said.

Looking beyond this year’s fundraiser, Davis said organizers would like to expand the live auction and use the event to bring more attention to the club’s racing program.

“I hope our live auction is able to grow with some really cool prizes for that,” Davis said. “I also hope they come, have a great time, like playing games, meeting other people in the community”

As the fundraiser continues into its second decade, organizers are looking ahead to ways to build on the event without losing what has made it successful.

The fundraiser will take place at Colombo Lodge on Lorne Street in Kamloops on Oct. 24, with doors opening at 5 p.m. More information on tickets, shuttles and what to expect can be found on the Sun Peaks Alpine Ski Club website.