Drink beer, have fun, listen to music, meet television stars, donate to local charity…I know that last one doesn’t seem to fit in the list, but it does at Hoptoberfest! It’s the event of the year where the community comes out to have fun and donate to various charities through the East Grays Harbor County Rotary Club.
The Rotary Club contributes to various charities throughout East Grays Harbor County such as Shop-With-A-Cop, which helps provide Christmas gifts for underprivileged kids in Grays Harbor County. The Children’s Advocacy Center, United Way, the Backpack Program, and other charities like it also receive funding from this Hoptoberfest event.
The main focus of the fundraising efforts, however, is to promote further education for East County youths. The Rotary Club has sponsored 20 kids over the last seven years since the Hoptoberfest’s inception. These kids are not evaluated solely by their academic achievement, but rather on their willingness to give back to their community. Donna Rosi, Hoptoberfest’s event coordinator, explains, “We are willing to fund higher education, even if it’s only to a trade school. We want to fund kids interested in returning to the community and investing in it.”
For being a one-day event, the ripple effect of charity is impressive. That’s likely due to the fact that people are having so much fun. “It’s a party – we are having a party for the community and it’s helping support a lot of needy programs and kids,” says Donna. And every year, the party gets better. This year, there will be around 30 different microbrews from breweries like Dick’s Brewing Co, Iron Horse Brewery, Astoria Brewing Co, Red Hook Brewing, and New Belgium Brewing, just to name a few.
Upon arriving, every guest will receive a ballot. Through tastings, vote for your favorite beer. The People’s Choice last year was a stout brewed by Iron Horse. They will be defending that vote again this year, but with increased competition. A few of these breweries, like Dick’s Brewing Co, have been helping out with the Hoptoberfest from the beginning. “Dick’s Brewery has been a part of the event from the beginning,” says Donna. “They are great people and have been such a huge help.”
The guest host for the 2015 Hoptoberfest is pretty retro. His name is Erik Estrada, but you probably know him better by his role as Frank “Ponch” Poncharello on the popular 70s television show, Chips. Also on the stage will be local stars like Ericka Corban, Driftin’ Harbor Rats, Electric Eye with Phil Luce, and others! The silent auction will also have some great items to show off including sports equipment, beer paraphernalia, and Seahawks tickets.
“What better way to raise money than to do something fun that people enjoy?” asks Donna. “I just encourage everyone to come out and have a good time.” With great volunteers and contributors, the 2015 event is looking to rock the house with music and laughter.
The venue for the Hoptoberfest event is the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. So if you get bored (not likely), need a place to stay, or just a moment to escape the noise, you will have plenty of space to explore, relax, and have a great time.
Tickets may be purchased at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino.
Admission is $10 and includes a souvenir mug, and a starter drink scrip.
Hoptoberfest will be held at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino on October 10, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
