Niwot Rotary Oktoberfest
LIZ EMMETT-MATTOX
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Maryann Rusk, president of Niwot Rotary, described the second annual Oktoberfest fundraiser as, “a phenomenal success.” Building on last year’s success, organizers expanded the scope this year. Said Rusk, “It really turned into more of a community event than just a Rotary fundraiser.” 
Rotary organizers made sure that there was something for everyone.  The little ones kept the bouncy castle bouncing, while the grownups enjoyed authentic German food, music and of course, beer. Although there are no official tallies, the general sense among vendors and organizers was that there were quite a few more people at this year’s celebration than last year. 

When they weren’t eating, drinking or dancing, people browsed the booths of vendors and community organizations. Linda Tapia, a vendor selling recycled glassware, said that business was much better this year than last. “It’s been a lot busier than last year. There are just more people here, and sales have been higher also.” 

Although the final numbers are not in yet, Rusk estimated that they raised approximately $5,000 for the Rotary, “and all that money will go right back into community projects such as our dictionary project, college scholarships for high-school students, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, and our international service projects,” she said. 

One of the highlights of the event was the scooter raffle. Niwot Rotary was able to obtain a scooter at cost from Sportique Scooters in Boulder. Alex Abelkis, a seventh grader at Shepherd Valley Waldorf School in Niwot, saw the scooter at Nostalgia Day and wanted her mom, Linda, to buy a ticket, but Linda declined.

Whenever they went to Niwot Market, Alex would bug her mom again about buying a ticket. Still her mom held out. Oktoberfest was on the same day as Shepherd Valley’s annual Harvest Faire, and being the administrator of the school, Linda had had a very long day. 

“After Harvest Faire, I had no intention of going anywhere that afternoon,” Linda said. But Alex wouldn’t give up. Finally, Linda said to her, “Get your shoes.  We’re going to get a raffle ticket.” Linda said she knew that would accomplish two goals: support the Niwot Rotary, and get Alex to quit bugging her about the scooter. Any parent can guess which was the primary motive. 

When they hadn’t heard anything by 9 p.m. Saturday night, Alex realized that they probably hadn’t won. Linda said she had assumed the Rotary Club would call soon after the 7 p.m. drawing, so she had suspected for some time that someone else had won. 

“When we got the message Sunday morning from the Rotary Club, Alex was jumping up and down screaming,” Linda said. Although it’s never something she would have purchased for herself, she said she loves how easy it is to get to school with the scooter. From her home in Cottonwood Park West, she cruises up to Monarch Road and uses the bike path up to the school grounds. 

“It’s actually faster than driving,” Linda said. “And easier than biking, especially when I have my laptop and all my other stuff to bring.” 
Rusk invited everyone to visit the Rotary website at www.niwotrotary.org or come to one of the weekly meetings on Thursdays from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Left Hand Grange.

Photo by Liz Emmett-Mattox
Linda and Alex Abelkis on the scooter they won at Oktoberfest.