Oktoberfest ceremony
SPRAYED! - Mallet in-hand, Mayor Matthew Hudes participates in the ceremonial tapping of the keg to kick-off the annual Oktoberfest celebrations at the Civic Lawn on Saturday, KCAT TV’s largest fundraiser of the year. (Drew Penner / Los Gatan)

KCAT TV & Radio turned the Los Gatos Civic Center Lawn into a Bavarian village last Saturday for their Oktoberfest fundraiser. This included live music, traditional food, dancing and games.

All proceeds go to support KCAT’s year-round media programs that “uplift, educate, and connect our community, specifically raising critical funds for KCAT programming for Youth and 55+ community,” according to organizers.

“Oktoberfest is more than a celebration — it’s a feeling. The feeling of togetherness. Of laughter shared across picnic tables. Of polka rhythms filling the air,” a spokesperson said.

According to a brochure distributed by the organization at the event, they have 11,000 monthly TV viewers and have created 175+ local shows.

Oktoberfest partiers
REVELERS – Ralph and Darlene Palmer. (Drew Penner / Los Gatan)

Los Gatos residents Ralph and Darlene Palmer told the Los Gatan they were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

“It’s awesome,” said Darlene.

“Everything’s good,” added Ralph.

Peter Hertan with a pretzel shirt
VOLUNTEERING – Peter Hertan helps out. (Drew Penner / Los Gatan)

Melissa Toren, KCAT’s executive director, was pleased with how everything turned out.

“It’s beyond my wildest expectations,” she said. “Everyone’s got a lot of energy.

“Thanks to everyone for supporting public television and radio.”

Previous articleWe’re moving from chips to charm
Next articleChance meeting in Los Gatos led to new brew ‘The Wave’
Drew Penner is an award-winning Canadian journalist whose reporting has appeared in the Globe and Mail, Good Times Santa Cruz, Los Angeles Times, Scotts Valley Press Banner, San Diego Union-Tribune, KCRW and the Vancouver Sun. Please send your Los Gatos and Santa Cruz County news tips to [email protected].

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here