By CALLY ANDERSON
Numerous visitors flocked to the annual Oktoberfest last weekend in Hays. While many took advantage of the chance to enjoy a bierock, raise a mug or host a reunion, many clubs at Fort Hays State University took the opportunity to fundraise at a booth.
Students from different clubs and organizations sold turkey legs, shirts, pretzels, water, brats, bierocks, koozies and more.
Some clubs view Oktoberfest as a way to show their face in the community, such as the Criminal Justice Club and Cybersecurity Club.
“We do not approach Oktoberfest as a major fundraiser but rather to promote the Criminal Justice Club to, and engage with, the community of Hays. We sold cans of pop for $2 and water bottles for $1 each,” said Madelyn Underwood, with the criminal justice department.
Chance Anderson, president of the Cybersecurity Club, agreed with Underwood.
“From community service to serving someone a great brat, we take pride in being able to outreach and connect with our community while educating them on cybersecurity,” he said. “Also, this has been a long-standing tradition for our club to sell our homemade brats at Oktoberfest. We are well-known by the community for our brats.”
When Oktoberfest visitors purchase items from the student-run booths, they are helping provide students with funds for future conferences and events.
For August Kugler of the FHSU Social Work Club, Oktoberfest is one of the group’s most important events.
“We participated in Oktoberfest festivities because it is usually one of our biggest fundraisers,” Kugler said. “The club earnings vary from year to year. However, we fundraise each year for our club summer trip. This trip allows for club members to have a new experience in a different city to volunteer and try to implement the social work value of service.”
After making more than $3,000, double the profit from last year, the Cybersecurity Club is thankful for the community support at Oktoberfest.
“With that, students within the club really do not pay for much as it is all subsidized by our fundraising,” Anderson said. “We will be going to (Kansas City) this weekend for a security conference, Bsides KC 2023, with our members not having to pay a dime.”
Other clubs featured at Oktoberfest included Brock and Bridle, Finance Club, Sigma Phi Epsilon, International Business Club and Biology Club.
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