By Alyssa Ramsfield
On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Brats, Brews, and Bands Festival plans to put to the “fun” into fundraising! Sponsored by Thurston County’s newest rotary, Gateway Rotary, the event is set to bring in money to support a variety of local charities and bring the community together.
The Gateway Rotary Club is only three years old, but it is already leaving a lasting impression across Thurston County. “Rotary International is first and foremost a service organization,” explains President of Gateway Rotary, Jonathan Sprouffske. “Our goal is to do service for our community. We decided early on that our focus would be specifically on children’s needs in Thurston County.”
Part of that positive impact includes putting together the Brats, Brews and Bands Festival as a fundraiser. “It’s our first club fundraiser,” describes Sprouffske. “Last year, it was a two-day event, but this year we wanted to focus on making a one-day event that packs a punch! We are constantly thinking of ways we can make this year more successful than the last. We want people to come out and have a good time all while raising money for our community.”
Last year, the Gateway Rotary was able to raise money to support local charities including The Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County, The Gold Star Wives of America, Lacey Police Explorers, Cool Jazz Clean Water, Rebuilding Together Thurston County, and Homeless Backpacks.
“Fifteen dollars gets you a lot,” explains Chairperson of the Event, Jerry Farmer. “Bands will be playing all day long and you get a taster card for three beers. Once inside the event, $5 will get you anything you need including more tastes or a brat. These aren’t your average brat either. These brats will be cooked up by Ricardo’s Restaurant. There will be a variety of sauces and toppings to choose from so you know it’s going to be good!”
Live music takes center stage of this event and includes the sounds of local performers Jeff Ott, Nana’s Pantsuit, Lemmings, Foul Play, Been There Done That, Exit 88, and the Olympia Astronaughts,
“There is something to do for everyone at this year’s event,” describes Farmer. “There are so many reasons to come down! We have a unique facility that has both an outdoor and indoor area. Inside, we are including a sports bar experience with televisions showing local sporting events. We also have an outside seating area to listen to some great local music. We will even have door prizes this year. Everyone who comes through the door will get a ticket to be entered into our door prizes. One of the many prizes available is a Husky Package. It includes two tickets to the game in a suite and a handful of gear.”
“The Rotary is all about service above self and we found this to be a good way to raise money and have a great time,” says Farmer. “It’s all about getting together with friends, eating some hearty brats, listening to some great bands, and helping our community.”
Brats, Brews and Bands
Saturday, Sept. 6, 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
South Puget Sound Community College
2011 Mottman Rd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
