Oktoberfest to honor Brownell, raise ALS awareness



By Meredith Gardner
meredith.gardner@theindependent.com



Beer, brats and a band will help create an authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere at an event designed both to honor the late civic leader John Brownell and to benefit ALS in the Heartland.
The inaugural ALS in the Heartland Oktoberfest will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Fonner Park concourse in Grand Island.

Brownell died in October 2005 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease. He was known around Grand Island for his involvement in many community organizations and boards.

"This is going to be a true Oktoberfest," said Dale Hartwig, vice president for ancillary services at St. Francis Medical Center and one of the event's organizers.

Hartwig, along with Buzz Douthit, Mike Gloor, Gary Settje and Tim White, was a member of "The Crew," or a group of Brownell's friends that joined him during sail boating trips.

Oktoberfest was designed in part to be something Brownell would have participated in, Hartwig said.

"Captain John, in our opinion, would've enjoyed sampling beers from around the world, spending time with friends and the festivities that are typically associated with Oktoberfest," Hartwig said.

Sponsor H & H Distributing will provide beers from around the world for tasting, and H & H Catering will provide bratwurst and sauerkraut, Hartwig said. The band BD and the Boys will provide entertainment.

Steve Langan, president of ALS in the Heartland, said he hopes people not only have a good time, but are also able to learn more about Lou Gehrig's disease and the services provided by ALS in the Heartland.

ALS is a progressive motor neuron disease that has no known cause or cure. It leads to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and loss of motor skills.

The organization provides professional consultations, monthly support groups, community referrals, an equipment loan pool and a respite care voucher program to those who have ALS, Langan said.

As many as 400 people are expected to attend Saturday's Oktoberfest, Langan said, and tickets are still available for $20 at Home Federal Bank, Fonner Park or online at www.ALSintheHeartland.org/.

Hartwig said he hopes Oktoberfest will become an annual event for ALS in the Heartland.

If you go

ALS in the Heartland Oktoberfest

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday

Where: Fonner Park Concourse

Cost: Tickets available for $20 at the door or in advance at Home Federal Bank, Fonner Park or online at www.ALSintheHeartland.org/

http://www.theindependent.com/storie...erfest20.shtml