It may not have been Munich, but approximately 150 people drank beer to support the Triton Museum of Art at its first ever Oktoberfest fundraiser on Sept. 22.
Despite the museum being no stranger to fall events — previously holding the Fall Floral Festival and Blues Bash — Oktoberfest was new territory, as there was no ticket fee associated with attending.
“This is really stepping outside of the box for us, which is wonderful,” said Triton Museum Board of Directors President Jeff Bramschreiber. “It’s different than we’ve done for a fall fundraiser in the past. I think it’s a really cool thing.”
The Triton’s board, who concocted the Oktoberfest idea after brainstorming to come up with a fall fundraiser to counter the museum’s annual spring gala, chose to execute the event to coincide with Germany’s Oktoberfest (Sept. 22-Oct. 7, 2018). And, although the Triton’s version was nowhere near the size of the world’s largest beer festival, the event did give guests a small taste of Oktoberfest with beer for sale by Golden State Brewery and Faultline Brewing Co. Additionally, live music was performed by Schwabenland German Band and food — including soft pretzels with an array of mustards and meals provided by The Party Helpers that included a slice of cake donated by Whole Foods — was available for purchase.
“I’m really happy with the event,” said Executive Director Jill Meyers. “I feel like we had a great turnout and we sold out on all of our food.”
Bramschreiber also said he was pleased with the outcome and hopes it will become an annual addition to the museum’s offerings.
“From walking around and talking to people, it’s definitely something to build on,” he said. “We went through a lot of food. We went through a lot of beer, too. So, I think it’s something really viable … We should do this again.”
Both Meyers and Bramschreiber were already thinking of ways the museum could improve Oktoberfest next year. Bramschreiber, who is an artist and art instructor, has volunteered to learn how to make traditional German hex signs, a type of folk art often containing the word “willkommen” (German for welcome), and manning a table, while Meyers has pledged to provide additional meals and more brews.
This weekend the museum will partake in another first. The Triton’s Deputy Director Preston Metcalf has written his first novel, “Casanova, Curator of Memories,” and will hold a book launch reception with a reading, book signing and refreshments. The launch will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30 from 2-4 p.m. at 1505 Warburton Ave. Visit tritonmuseum.org/events.php or facebook.com/TritonMuseum for additional information.