Celebrate Oktoberfest 2010 at Rochester Mills Beer Co Rochester's Annual Autumn Festival Supports Local Nonprofits, Sept. 24-25

ROCHESTER, MI, September 10, 2010

Following a tradition dating 200 years ago in Munich, Germany, the Rochester Mills Beer Company invites the community to partake in its Annual Oktoberfest festivities, Sept. 24-25.

This family-friendly celebration features German-style cuisine and beer under a huge American-made tent. Join the thousands of visitors who attend to enjoy the live music, dancing and children's activities taking place behind the brewery's Rochester location during the two-day extravaganza.

This year's event, powered by eco-friendly bio-diesel made from the restaurant's french fry oil, is bigger and better than ever with expanded outdoor seating capacity, more room under the tent and an expanded kid's game area. Fun for the entire family includes carnival games, moonwalks, pony rides, petting zoo, clowns, balloon and tattoo artists for the kids. Those young at heart can participate in the ever-popular sauerkraut-eating contest or be entertained by traditional German music and dancing.

Musical performances will be held throughout the festival by renowned German bands "Enzian" (Friday and Saturday from 6-10 p.m.) and "The Vagabonds" (Saturday from 1-4 p.m.), along with a special appearance by the Carpathia Dancers.

Head Brewer Eric Briggeman has prepared fresh batches of Water Street Wheat (German-style Hefe-Weizen), Harvest Lite (American-style light beer) and this year's Oktoberfest (German-style lager). A Ceremonial tapping of Rochester Mill's Oktoberfest Seasonal Celebration Lager will take place in the brewery Thursday night, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. with special guests including a possible visit from Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett.

The festival tent is open from 5-11 p.m. on Friday and from 1-11 p.m. pm on Saturday. Admission is only $5 for adults; children 16 and under get in free (with a paid adult). All proceeds from the annual event benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan and the YMCA North Oakland County Waves swim club.

A full menu and selection of beers on tap will also be available inside the brewery during the event. No cover live entertainment inside the brewery features the Sun Messengers on Friday and the launch of Lazy Daze Records recording artists April to Fall on Saturday, both starting at 10 p.m.

For more information, call 248-650-5080 or log onto http://www.rochestermillsbeerco.com.

ABOUT ROCHESTER MILLS BEER CO.:
The Rochester Mills Beer Co. opened in 1998 in Downtown Rochester. Located in the historic Western Knitting Mill, the brewery is located on Water Street, just two blocks east of Main Street. Preserving the original character of the building, the brewery features original hardwood floors, columns, beams and exposed brick walls of the mill. The menu features a broad selection of eclectic American cuisine, all prepared with the freshest and often local Michigan ingredients. From delectable appetizers, fresh salads, pizzas and pastas to delicious entrees and unique sandwiches, the menu has something for everyone, including the kids. Special amenities include an outdoor patio, pool tables, and live entertainment every Friday, and Saturday nights. The Martini Lounge is available for private parties. The restaurant has expanded its ability to cater off premises events and parties bringing the Mills to you.

Rochester Mills Beer Co. is a Pleszure Food Group company and a proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild (www.michiganbrewersguild.org).


ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION:
Since its inception in 1984, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan -- a chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America -- has brought joy into the lives of thousands of people in our Michigan community through its important wish-granting mission. The Foundation has granted more than 6,000 wishes in its 26-year history. More than 80% of the Foundation's expenditures are directly related to program services (wish granting). The Foundation has offices in Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. For more information, call 734.994.8620 or visit http://www.wishmich.org.

ABOUT NORTH OAKLAND WAVES (NOW) SWIM TEAM:
A family-friendly swim team based out of the North Oakland Family YMCA in Auburn Hills offering competitive swimming for all age groups. Instruction, technique, yardage, a positive work ethic, team building, and loads of fun is the NOW experience. NOW is a dual affiliated team, swimming both YMCA and USA meets. NOW offers a year round swim program. Whether a developing or highly competitive, seasoned swimmer, they have a place for you. For more information visit http://www.teamunify.com.