The Coronado Marine Corps League is putting together the fourth annual Oktoberfest fundraiser on Oct. 14 at the VFW.
The entry fee is $10 for the 4 to 9 p.m. event, but if you want to experience Patrick Duffy’s “world famous” bratwurst, potato salad, sauerkraut and a pretzel, the cost is $20, according to organizers. All beer is $5.
The man putting it together is retired Marine Buzz Buzby.
Meet organizer Buzz Buzby
From being a lieutenant colonel deployed in the Middle East, Africa, Okinawa and Stuttgart Germany, to becoming a reconnaissance Marine and working with the embassy staffs of Ankara, Turkey and Liberia, Buzby since 1984 has filled many different roles as a Marine.
Buzby retired in 2011 and is now serving Marine families through the Coronado Marine Corps League, a non-profit organization. With the help of fundraisers like Oktoberfest, Buzby and other Marines are able to be a resource to Marine families in need, he said.
“We’ve started a disaster fund, if you will. For Marines, both former and active duty, here in Southern California, if they experience something traumatic in their lives, then we help them get through it,” said Buzby. “And if there are Marines that experience wildfire destruction or, you know, God forbid, an earthquake, then yeah, some of the money that we generate from the 14th (Oktoberfest), will go to solving those problems for folks.”
Raising money for charities
According to Buzby, another goal for the event is to raise money for the charities that the League is involved with, such as the Wampler Foundation, Honor Flights San Diego, the Jimmy Miller Memorial Surf Foundation and Toys for Tots.
Buzby is also excited for the attendees to experience what the event has to offer, promising folks will get their money’s worth.
“We have quite a bit in the way of raffles and raffle prizes, like a two night stay at the Del,” said Buzby. “The beer is going to be all locally CBC [Coronado Brewing Company] produced, Mike Hess produced and Epic Brewing produced.”
Unique food
Along with big raffles and locally brewed beer, Buzby made sure the food would be a unique aspect of the event.
“This year, we’ve got Chef Mike Bell, who’s actually going to be managing our entire kitchen,” said Buzby. “And he’s going to be bringing some of his own dishes that are traditional Bavarian dishes, like Wienerschnitzel.”
According to Buzby there also will be various competitions to participate in like the beer tray races, a lederhosen best dressed contest and a 64-ounce mug hold for both men and women.
“It should be fun; cheap dinner, cheap beer, good chance to win some really cool things. Have a good time, let your hair down and put on your lederhosen.” said Buzby.
