The return of the Okarche Lions annual fundraiser, Deutschesfest, with polka music, German sausage and plenty of sauerkraut drew a large crowd Friday night at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Okarche.
Last year, the fundraiser was canceled due to the pandemic.
Greeting people as they walked into the gymnasium Friday night was Allen Schroeder, 80, wearing a bright yellow vest with lots of lapel pins he’s collected over the years. Allen Schroeder joined the Okarche Lions Club in 1980. His father Alvin Schroeder was a founding member of the Okarche Lions.
“They were doing this before I joined in 1980,” Allen Schroeder said. My dad was a founding member of the Lions. All the founding members are gone. He was one of the last ones.” He said the event draws 800 to 1,000 people a year. The last one held was in 2019.
The fundraiser helps local charities such as schools, the state and international Lions Club, a state boys’ home near Stillwater and the Center of Family Love.
“We try to keep the proceeds from this dinner tonight locally if we can,” Allen Schroder said.
Tony Stangl helped out with the serving and cooking work again this year, sort of, he said.
“I’ve been here 49 years. I’m kind of retired. I’m just kind of walking around doing nothing,” Stangl said.
The Masopust Polka Band set up on the stage in the gymnasium, provided the oompah music.
Stangl had help from brew master Keith Griesel of Expedinture Brewery of Okarche.
Cooper Bomhoff, an Okarche sophomore, and boys basketball Coach Aaron West were a few of the volunteers helping serve the guests.
Canadian County Commissioner Marc Hader, an Okarche Lions Club member, attended, and new Okarche Lion Paul Francel was found preparing the sausage.
Francel volunteers in the Holy Trinity Catholic School kitchen on Tuesdays.
See more photos and read the full report in the upcoming edition of the Okarche Warrior and visit okarchewarrior.com for updates to local news and community events.
