The major fundraiser each year for the Escalon Sunrise Rotary Club, the group’s Oktoberfest was hosted Saturday, Oct. 14 at the Escalon Community Center.

From craft brews to olive oil, German-themed food to local cheese producers, there was plenty to sample and enjoy. There were also multiple silent auction items up for bid and attendees had the chance to mingle and visit, lean about the different products served and generally enjoy a relaxing afternoon of food and drink.

“We raise funds for all of the projects that we do during the year, and for scholarships, we started this many years ago,” noted Rotary Club President Dave Mantooth. “I think people respond well and enjoy coming to it.”

The Escalon Sunrise Rotary meets each Thursday morning at 6:45 a.m. in the Escalon High School cafeteria. Proceeds from the Oktoberfest benefit the local, national and international projects sponsored through the club.

“The beer’s delicious,” noted Aylmer Aguilar of Ceres, stopping at one table to enjoy a sample.

Modesto resident Brian Ramirez was also enjoying checking out the different craft brews.

Serving up samples of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, Rosanne Paulat of Rocca Bella Olive Orchards out of Calaveras said the gathering provides a good showcase.

“I want people to know there’s good quality olive oil and balsamic out there,” she said.

Attendees generally agreed, noting the best part about the event was the number of local companies that came to offer samples, letting residents know the variety of high quality products available in the region.