There were some returning favorites and some unique new entries.

Attendees at the annual Oktoberfest hosted by the Escalon Sunrise Rotary Club had the chance to enjoy food and beverages while visiting with the vendors on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Hosted at the Escalon Community Center, the festive late afternoon-early evening gathering featured a new ‘sweet potato soda’ from Corbin Cash out of Atwater, along with a sweet potato liqueur. The distilled spirits vendor also served up Merced rye whiskey, sweet potato vodka and more for patrons.

Elsewhere, there were a variety of beers poured by Last Call Brewery out of Oakdale and Contentment Brewery of Modesto, the local offerings. Caldera Brewery of Ashland, Oregon was represented as well.

Wines poured at the event ranged from Delicato’s Twisted Old Vine Zinfandel to Big Guy Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.

There were also a variety of German inspired dishes from bratwurst to sauerkraut, cheeses, nuts, olive oil and more.

Gary Romano served as emcee and DJ for the event and there were also several silent auction items to peruse and offer bids on during the festivities.

“It’s going well,” Rotary Club President Dave Mantooth said, surveying the crowd and the vendors interacting on Saturday afternoon. “We were pleased that we were able to get local cheese, nuts and olive oil, and the new company out of Atwater with the spirits from sweet potatoes.”

He also said they were happy to welcome in the local craft breweries from Oakdale and Modesto.

“We have lots of support from community businesses as well,” Mantooth noted. “They have helped both in sponsoring this and providing the silent auction items.”

The Oktoberfest is one of the annual events staged by the local Rotarians, with proceeds going back into community service projects and scholarship programs.