Lyndonville Lions celebrate with their first Oktoberfest

Photos courtesy of Lyndonville Lions Club: Lyndonville Lions Club members – from left, Wayne Miller, John Belson, Jeff Johnson and Russ Martino – tap the first ceremonial Oktoberfest beer keg to open the Oktoberfest event on Thursday at the White Birch.

Press Release, Lyndonville Lions Club

LYNDONVILLE – The Lyndonville Lions held their first Oktoberfest event on Thursday night at the White Birch Golf Resort. It was a well-attended event for the Lions who raised funds for their “Pop Up Eye Clinic” coming this spring.

Organizers felt the Oktoberfest event was new and unique to their fundraising efforts and would like to see it become an annual event. The Lyndonville Lions Club would like to thank all those who supported the event and hope that everyone had an enjoyable evening.

Guests were treated to soft pretzels, schnitzel and German-style beer as they celebrated Oktoberfest. The musical entertainment was provided by the acclaimed “Frankfurters” German band from Buffalo.

The “Frankfurters” German band from Buffalo performed during the celebration.

The band did not disappoint the crowd as they played all their traditional and favorite German folk songs. Guests were treated to special presentations including a traditional Austrian Bell arrangement and several songs played on the Alpine Horn. Bells in Bavarian culture was often used to announce significant events and celebrations. They have become a tradition in German musical performances.

The Alpine Horn dates back to the 1500s and was initially used as a form of communication in Alpine valleys. It consists of a single piece of wood, hand carved, and usually several meters long. In more modern times the Alpine Horn has become a traditional musical instrument used by musical groups who perform German and Bavarian folk music. The crowd was treated to a medley of Alpine Horn music as part of the evening performance.  This was a very special part of the performance and enjoyed by all.

The Lions would like to thank their corporate sponsors for supporting this event. The Genesee Brewing Company supplied the complimentary Oktoberfest beverages along with Batavia Downs and Gaming who donated several overnight stay packages and raffle items that included an autographed Thurman Thomas football.

Members of the Frankfurters perform using the Alpine Horns.

Wayne Miller supplied several handmade bird houses for the raffle and live auction, which the Lions would like to thank him for that kind gesture. A special thank you goes out to the White Birch Golf Resort staff and management.  They did a spectacular job on the German-style buffet dinner and allowed the Lions to hold their event in their atrium.

The Lyndonville Lions want to thank those who came to the event to enjoy themselves and support the Lions efforts. The work carried out by Lions International and local Lions clubs around the world cannot be done without the cooperation and support of local individuals.  So, thank you to all those who attended.

In closing, the Lions will be supporting upcoming events in the Yates community. November and December will see the Lions active at the Village of Lyndonville Tree Lighting Festival along with appearances at the Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringing Campaign. The Lions Club would like to wish all a safe autumn season and may God continue to bless us and this great nation we live in.

Guests are shown enjoying the first Lyndonville Lions Club Oktoberfest event.