The Fundraising Committee for the Badlands Community Facility (BCF) is getting ready to bring the thrill of Oktoberfest to Drumheller this fall.
On September 28, the Badlands Community Facility, will be transformed into a German hall for the hugely popular fall festival.
“We were trying to think of something that is different and would be fun for all ages,” said Hansine Kostelecky, chair of the BCF Fundraising Committee. “I’m originally from Winnipeg and it was always a big deal at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. They had 5,000 people for Oktoberfest.”
Hansine Kostlecky, chair of the Badlands Community Facility (BCF) Fundraising Committee, and the remainder of the committee are unveiling a series of events over the fall and winter. On September 28, the BCF will host Drumheller’s first annual Oktoberfest. Other events are planned to raise awareness for the BCF fundraising campaign.
The festival aims to raise money for the BCF and bring awareness to the fundraising campaign.
One of Alberta’s largest breweries, Big Rock, will be contributing to the event. In addition, everything will have an appropriately German theme.
Oktoberfest isn’t the only event being planned for the fall and winter. On Saturday, September 7 and 8, the Fundraising Committee will be sponsoring beer gardens at the BCF.
“There will still be tourists in town and, we think, it’ll be a nice weekend weather-wise. On the half marathon day we’ve always been asked and now we’re doing it this year. It’ll be great for after the race and for the spectators hanging around,” said Kostelecky.
Later in the year, the Diamond Dinner is making a return as well.
The events, though not expected to make a large dent on the facility’s $2.6 million fundraising shortfall, are hoped to generate awareness for the campaign and the next phase of the BCF.
“We wanted to have the event, not because we’ll raise a significant amount of money, but let everyone know we’re still fundraising and looking ahead to building the next phase of the facility, the arena and curling rink,” said Kostelecky.
One of the biggest changes to the fundrasing campaign is the Legacy Leaf project, which will take the place of the previously planned Legacy Patio and brick campaign.
“We want to promote the Legacy Leaf project that’s coming up. We’re creating a piece of art with a local artist, Craig Palmer from Standard, and, as a part of a donation, engrave names on the leaves. We thought having a piece of artwork would make it unique,” said Kostelecky. “We’ll unveil it at one of our upcoming events.”
Tickets for Oktoberfest are currently available at the BCF.
