Denice Dudley is helping to put together an amazing Dunwoody Oktoberfest event at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, September 28th from noon-6pm. Enjoy authentic German food trucks, beer, live music, family-friendly activities, and exciting raffle prizes. This vibrant community event, backed by tons of local sponsors, features a beer garden, Kinder Zone, cool cars, and much more. Don’t miss out on Dunwoody’s newest celebration—mark your calendars and join the fun!
In this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, Matthew Weber interviews Denice Dudley, the energetic force behind the inaugural Dunwoody Oktoberfest. The conversation dives into the inspiration, planning, and excitement surrounding this new community event, emphasizing Denice’s dedication to bringing a touch of her Phoenix roots to Dunwoody, Georgia. Throughout the episode, Matthew and Denice discuss the importance of community involvement, the challenges of organizing a large event, and the various activities planned for the Oktoberfest.
Dunwoody Oktoberfest: A New Tradition in the Making
Denice Dudley, relatively new to the Dunwoody community, shares her journey of settling into the area and finding a welcoming home at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, located across from Brook Run Park. The church has been central to her life, not only as a place of worship but also as the hub of her community efforts. Inspired by her background in fundraising and event planning, Denice saw an opportunity to elevate the church’s modest Oktoberfest into a full-scale community event, aimed at bringing people together and raising funds for local ministries.
The inaugural Dunwoody Oktoberfest, scheduled for September 28th, promises to be a vibrant celebration that blends traditional Bavarian elements with family-friendly activities. Denice’s enthusiasm is palpable as she describes the event’s many facets, from the beer garden set in the newly renovated church courtyard to the Kinder Zone filled with games and crafts for children.
Sponsors and Community Support
One of the standout aspects of the event is the impressive roster of sponsors Denice has secured. She highlights key contributors such as Huckleberry Enterprises, which recently completed landscaping work at the church and is sponsoring the beer garden, and Discover Dunwoody, known for its strong community presence. Coca-Cola’s involvement, including the installation of their attention-grabbing “Hug Me” Coke machines, adds a fun and interactive element to the festival.
Denice’s ability to attract sponsors like these speaks to her skills in networking and her deep understanding of the community’s needs and interests. The conversation also touches on the role of local businesses in supporting community events and how these partnerships can create a sense of shared investment in Dunwoody’s future.
Event Highlights: What to Expect
The Dunwoody Oktoberfest is designed to be an inclusive event that offers something for everyone. Denice outlines the various attractions, including:
- The Autobahn: A display of sports cars that will capture the attention of automotive enthusiasts as soon as they arrive.
- The Beer Garden: Set in the beautifully landscaped church courtyard, the beer garden will offer a selection of drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.
- The Kinder Zone: A dedicated area for children, featuring carnival games, arts and crafts, and a playground, ensuring that the youngest attendees are entertained.
- Live Music and Food Trucks: Authentic German food, including pretzels, roasted chicken, and turkey legs, will be available from local food trucks. The event will also feature live music, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Denice emphasizes that while the event celebrates Oktoberfest traditions, it is not solely a beer festival. The focus is on creating a family-friendly environment where everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy the festivities.
Raffles and Prizes
In addition to the activities, attendees can participate in raffles featuring exciting prizes donated by local businesses. Highlights include:
- A Day at Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP): A $600 value experience where participants can drive their own cars around the track with professional instruction.
- A Karting School Package: An opportunity for kids to learn the basics of karting, with adult supervision for younger participants.
- A $1,000 Gift Card from Lauderhills Fine Jewelers: A generous contribution that adds a touch of luxury to the raffle lineup.
These prizes not only add excitement to the event but also serve as a significant fundraising tool, with all proceeds going back to the church and its associated nonprofits.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Throughout the podcast, Denice and Matthew discuss the broader impact of the Dunwoody Oktoberfest on the community. Denice hopes that the event will become a cherished tradition, drawing people together year after year. She also envisions it as a model for future events that can promote community engagement and support local causes.
Denice’s passion for community building is evident in her commitment to making the Dunwoody Oktoberfest a success. She expresses her gratitude for the warm welcome she has received in Dunwoody and her excitement about contributing to the town’s vibrant culture. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s clear that she has already made a significant impact on the community in her short time here.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As the conversation draws to a close, Matthew and Denice encourage listeners to attend the Dunwoody Oktoberfest on September 28th. They emphasize that the event is free to attend, with opportunities to support the cause through game participation and raffle ticket purchases. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, the Dunwoody Oktoberfest promises to be a day of fun, food, and community spirit.
For more information about the event, listeners are directed to visit DunwoodyOktoberfest.com. The episode concludes with a reminder to mark the date and bring the whole family for a day of celebration and community connection in Dunwoody, Georgia.
