LAHAINA – On Thursday evening, Oct. 18, the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise will sponsor its first annual Oktoberfest.

Festivities start at 6 p.m. at the Pioneer Inn Lahaina with a live Oompah Band, polka dancing, authentic German buffet and silent auction, with proceeds to support the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise’s youth and community service projects here on Maui.

The cost is $50 before the event and $60 at the door. Beer, wine and soft drinks are sold separately. Lederhosen, dirndls and other Oktoberfest attire are encouraged but not required.

Prizes will be awarded for the most aptly dressed, best hat, most outstanding yodel, chicest “Chicken Dance” and other talents.

Silent auction items will include gift certificates for local restaurants, hotels, luaus and activities, as well as jewelry and original artwork by Maui artists.

Additional parking will be available at Maui Medical Group for a $5 donation. Tickets can be purchased at Bank of Hawaii’s Lahaina Branch/Ann Neizman (808-856-2362), Guild Mortgage Co./Tera Paleka (808-870-3653) or by calling Brandie Henderson at (512) 565-9570.

Proceeds from Oktoberfest will benefit local community service projects sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise. These projects include providing dictionaries for every third-grader at King Kamehameha III Elementary, Sacred Hearts School and Maui Preparatory Academy; offering scholarships; and supporting the Lahaina Tutoring Program, Keiki School Supply Drive, Halloween Keiki Parade, Maui Food Bank, Lahaina Public Library restoration, Lahaina Harbor Sidewalk Project and the town’s Fourth of July celebration.

The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunrise, which is one of nine clubs on Maui, meets on Tuesday mornings at 7 a.m. at the Pioneer Inn.

For information on the club, contact President Uli Kirkegaard at 281-1169 or uli@mauitechguru.com.