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Rocktoberfest great spot for kids, teens

Why should adults have all the fun at Oktoberfest?

While grownups are enjoying the festivities at the beer tents during Oktoberfest, kids can let loose at Rocktoberfest, a safe and fun alternative.

Sponsored by Kids Plus, Inc., Rocktoberfest offers a great social atmosphere with music entertainment, gaming contests, prizes, free popcorn and soda.

This is the 11th year of the event, which has grown from serving 100 kids the first year, to an average of 500 in recent years. It will be held Oct. 3 and 4 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the St. Patrick’s Youth Center.

According to Cassie Challburg, director of Kids Plus, the goal of Rocktoberfest is to provide an alcohol-free environment for kids in grades 7 through 12 to hang out with friends, play games and dance, while parents enjoy being at the beer gardens.

The entry fee is $3 per kid per night, and they can show up at the door at any time between 7 to 11 p.m.

Challburg says that youths generally won’t be allowed to leave and come back during one night.

“They kind of know that they can’t just keep coming in and out,” she said. This prevents any alcohol being brought onto the premises.

This year, kids who attend Rocktoberfest can show off their video gaming skills at the Dozer’s Games gaming trailer – a climate-controlled, multi-screen theater-on-wheels full of the latest video games.

Prizes will be awarded at a gaming competition, in addition to door prizes and raffles, which never cost more than a dollar, according to Challburg.

“This year we have a Mongoose bike with the fat wheels, a FitBit, a Kindle Fire and lots of gift cards,” Challburg said of the prizes.

Prizes are provided through community donations and grant writing, Challburg said.

As for activities, Challburg says DJ Projekt 3D will provide the tunes in the basement, a bouncy house is on site, a velcro wall will be available, and more.

“They love the velcro wall,” she said.

Challburg assures parents that adult volunteers will be on site.

“We have plenty of adult supervision,” she said.

Half of the proceeds from the event will be donated to S.M.A.C., which is a drug awareness and internet safety program for students. In 2013, Rocktoberfest raised $644 for the program.

“Join us for a great night of fun!” Challburg said.

 

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