Elks Lodge Celebrates Oktoberfest While Giving Back

On Sept. 21 family and friends gathered at the Elks Lodge in Redlands to celebrate a German tradition known as Oktoberfest. Authentic polka music could be heard throughout the walls of the Lodge as their third annual Oktoberfest went underway and traditional German cuisine was prepared such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and red cabbage. Visitors filed in beginning at 5:30 that evening to enjoy the event. Oktoberfest dates back to 1810, and stems from the annual 16-day festival celebrating beer, held in Munich, Germany. However, according to event organizers, the festival held at the Elks Lodge is unique compared to other festivals taking place. “The money that we raise tonight goes into our charity fund which is returned to the community," said the Lodge's Exalted Leader Denny Young. Young explained that the Lodge receives monthly requests for donations from various organizations such as soup kitchens and local law enforcement. “We sit around and socialize, but we know deep in our hearts that all the money that we raise from these events goes to a good cause," said Lodge Esquire Hilary Fulton. Fulton has been a member of the lodge for almost a year and shared that Oktoberfest is not the only charity event the Lodge is involved in. “We put a lot of money into supporting [handicapped] children, such as in-home care, which is totally paid for by the Elks," said Fulton. Members of the lodge are more than just a group of people giving back to the community, they’re a family. “This is the most family-oriented lodge I have been to," said year-long member Todd Morris. At the end of the day, the Elks Lodge located on New York St. in Redlands provides a home away from home and countless opportunities to give back to the community. “It’s all about having fun, enjoying yourself, and giving back to the community," said Young.