The Newbury Park Rotary Club will present its 23rd annual Oktoberfest, Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27 at Underwood Family Farms (3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, 23 Fwy., exit Tierra Rejada, Moorpark).

A full day of authentic German music, dancing and food.

New this year is the "BrewFest Beer Garden,” featuring traditional Oktoberfest German brews along with selections from California microbreweries sponsored by JJ Brewsky's. Flown in direct from Germany, the Pillar Giant Pretzel, plus sauerkraut, strudel and Simi Valley Rotary's famous bratwurst booth.

Both days will feature best-dressed Bavarian costume (lederhosen, hats and dirndls) and stein-holding contests. Prizes will be awarded to all winners.

“Oktoberfest first began in 1810 in Munich as part of the marriage festivities of the German crown prince. It quickly became a celebration of the fall harvest and was attended by families throughout the region," says Mary-Catherine McBride, Newbury Park Rotary's event chairperson. "We hold fast to those traditions and have created a festival that is fun for all ages that attracts festival goes from all around Southern California."

Also new this year is our “Wine Pavilion” featuring an array of wine tastings from some of California’s top wine makers, such as Cantara Wine Cellars in Camarillo, plus four other selections sponsored by The Wineyard Tasting Room.

Major sponsors are Beck's Beer, The Wineyard, Harrison Industries, Storm-Larsen Company, Hollywood Storage, Alvalyn Graphics, Ventura County Star, First California Bank, City Printing & Graphics, and JJ Brewsky’s.

Oktoberfest features music from Die Gemuetlichen Schuhplattler (traditional Bavarian dance troupe) and Akkordion Freunde (nine-piece Bavarian band). Also taking the stage are the LA Blue Birds (Oktoberfest and pop standards), Joel Larson & Company (rock, R&B and jazz featuring original members of the Grass Roots and Counting Crows) and Floyd & the Flyboys (R&B and jazz)

Family activities at Underwood Farms are a petting zoo, giant sling shot, pick-your-own pumpkins, pig races, animal talks and mining for gold and gems. "Families can experience a day at the farm while enjoying a traditional German harvest festival," says McBride.

Oktoberfest 2009 beer mugs and Bavarian souveniers will be for sale in the festival's craft vendor fair. More than 25 craft booths will display their wares.

The festival is also giving attendees an opportunity to go green with a chance to win a Vespa S-150 scooter. Tickets are on sale now with the winner being announced at the event on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $20. The winner need not be present and can select the scooter in any available color.

Oktoberfest hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days. The cost is $10 for adults, kids under age two are free (discount tickets and group sales are available online). Each ticket includes a free hayride and a trek through a corn maze. Parking is free. Admission is free for active duty military with I.D.

Since its inception, Oktoberfest has raised more than $400,000 for local charities. For more information, call 805-701-7248. To purchase admission tickets, a chance to win a Vespa, and for a full entertainment schedule,

visit www.okto-beerfest.com.