Yodel-Ay-EEE-Oooo.
It's time to clear those vocal chords in preparation for Squamish Oktoberfest 2011. Professional yodeller Rolf Brulhart will muscle out some tunes at the inaugural fall celebration on Saturday (Oct. 22). And he won't be the only one.
"We are going to have a yodelling competition," said Gwen Young, one of the event's organizers.
Squamish's rendition of the beer festival is a fundraiser for the Squamish Montessori School. Money raised from the evening of Bavarian fun will support the non-profit organization's staffing and extracurricular education activities. The money will also subsidize tuitions, support bursaries and allow the school to buy specialized teaching materials.
The school opened its doors in 2008. The institution had three children at the time, but has grown to include 62 students this school year. Forty-two children aged 2 1/2 to six are registered in the Montessori's preschool. The elementary program for Grades 1 to 3 contains 20 students.
Oktoberfest will take place at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Co. Local bluegrass band Tantalus Pass will provide the music, while the brewing company will set up beer tasting stations and serve a special menu with a Bavarian flare.
"We are pretty excited," Young said.
Besides the yodelling, there will be a silent auction - which includes items such as spa treatments and hockey tickets - and a best costume prize. The party gets underway at 7 p.m. with last call at 12:30 a.m. Tickets cost $25 and include entrance, the first pint, a commemorative stein and all the entertainment. Tickets can be bought at Squamish Montessori School, 42000 Loggers Lane, at Style Zone, 1309 Pemberton Ave,. or at the brew pub at 37801 Cleveland Ave. Tickets can also be bought at the door.
Squamish Montessori School is currently working on becoming a B.C. recognized independent school, with a long-term goal of constructing a building that's designed for the purpose.
For more information about the event or school call (604) 892-1180.
