BCAT News

After a hiatus due to the pandemic, the Burlington Fire Department Union Local 2313 is excited to announce the return of their Oktoberfest fundraiser, scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at Kings Dining & Entertainment in Burlington. The event marks the fifth year for the Local 2313 Oktoberfest.

Thirteen-year firefighter Eric Fitzgerald, organizer for the fundraiser, says Oktoberfest will be a beer-tasting event with several vendors bringing in beers to sample. Kings will be offering complimentary appetizers and there will be raffle table with gift cards, gift baskets and other great prizes.

Fitzgerald said in the past the funds raised went to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, but now all the money goes into the Local 2313 charitable account.

“A hundred percent of the money goes into the union charity account,” said Fitzgerald. “We donate to local and fire related charities.”

Local 2313 supports efforts like the Burlington Pop Warner, the BHS All-Night Grad Party and more.

Sponsorships are offered on a tier system of Fire Department ranks; Marshall, Chief, Captain, etc. and can be applied for on the event website. High-level sponsorships come with access to a private bowling lane and advertising space. Fitzgerald also assures that there’ll be plenty of open lanes for people who buy tickets to the event.

“We want to thank everybody that has donated to us in the past but especially to Kings. Kings does a huge service by giving us a Thursday night, they give us the entire space. They could not be a better partner,” Fitzgerald continued. “For five years, I walked in and without batting an eye Kings agreed to help us and that’s exactly what they’ve done. I couldn’t be happier or more in debt to them as well as everybody else who’s helped us. The entire fire department is appreciative.”

The fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, October 24 at Kings Dining & Entertainment at 3rd Ave., from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 each in advance, $35 at the door.