VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.— The tents are going up, and the beer and bratwurst are soon to follow.
Oktoberfest is happening in Virginia Beach Saturday, and you can feel good about filling up on German beer and sausage knowing it’s helping support a worthy cause.
“If we can’t throw events, we don’t raise money, so the best thing we can do is ring the bell as loud as possible,” said Al Midgett, CEO of The Noblemen.
The Noblemen hope people hear the call to support kids in the community, even during the pandemic.
The Virginia Beach nonprofit hopes to safely celebrate Oktoberfest to kick off their annual Christmas toy drive to help get gifts into the hands of local kids who need them.
“This will be the only event that we will have prior to our Christmastime giving, so all of the funds will be necessary to help us build this infrastructure so we can support local kids this holiday season,” said Midgett.
To make it happen, they are scaling back one of their largest events of the year.
“We’re going to be having some great food bratwurst and German pork and potato salad and some ice cold libations, and we’re going to celebrate Oktoberfest,” said Midgett.
As many as 3,000 people have come out to enjoy the German festival in the past, but they’re expecting 150 people to eat, drink and be socially distant outside of Lendy’s restaurant in Virginia Beach from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
They ask that people who purchase tickets to Oktoberfest also bring a toy for the toys drive.
“If we’re not eating or drinking, we’re going to be wearing our masks. We’ll have handwashing stations, and we’re just going to be proactive to make sure everybody is safe,” said Midgett.
They know it’ll be tough to help as many families as they have in years past, but they’re looking for noble men and women to help make sure every child in our area has a smile on their face this holiday season.
