A good time was had on Friday, Oct. 10, by more than 100 friends, supporters and hotel guests at the Fireside Grill during the fundraiser dedicated to the recent Oktoberfest losses.

A spread of brats, turkey legs and schnitzels with all the trimmings and Warsteiner Beer were offered.

The German band, Die Echten Waldbuam, entertained. Dancing, a 50/50 raffle, drawing for door prizes and the famous beer stein-holding contest kept guests busy during the evening.

Fountain Hills now is the home of the 2014 Royal Beer Stein holding King John Schwab and Queen Carol Salisbury who were crowned the winners of the contest. The average contestant can hold a beer stein about four minutes. The world record is 20 minutes and nine seconds set in Germany.

Carol won her crown by holding the stein two minutes and 59 seconds and John endured five minutes of beer stein holding.

Fountain Hills took a beating with downed trees and flash flooding on Saturday, Sept. 26, that took the Oktoberfest planners by total surprise. Sadly, the Oktoberfest that day was forced to cancel due to the park grounds being completely under water. The storm damage destroyed all the vendor tents and product assembled for the day. Proceeds from the seventh annual Oktoberfest would have provided much needed assistance to our veterans, their families as well as local community charitable organizations.

The terrible act of nature that day put event organizers $10,000 into debt and charities will miss out on funds until debts are paid and new fund raisers are in place.

Friday’s fundraiser is off to a good start and we thank everyone who came and contributed to our cause. If you wish to help with a contribution, checks can be made payable to AMVETS Post 7 and mailed to Christine Colley, 16033-109 E. Primrose Drive, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.