University Parkway World of Beer celebrates Oktoberfest

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Karen and Wayne Kall have had the bratwursts and cold German beer at Oktoberfest in Munich.

The Bradenton residents wanted to get a taste of the German tradition this year at the annual World of Beer-Sarasota WOBtoberfest.

The two-day festival kicked off Friday in the parking lot of the World of Beer establishment off University Parkway. In addition to the German food, beer and live music, raffle tickets and water bottles were sold with proceeds benefiting the Sarasota-based nonprofit Mothers Helping Mothers, which provides families in need with basic necessities such as clothing and baby items for free.

As an event sponsor, BMW of Sarasota sold the water bottles and ran the raffle with the grand prize as a one-month lease for a new BMW I3.

"It will enable us to purchase more items for our clients," said Rosemary McKenney, a volunteer with Mothers Helping Mothers. "The essential items that families in hard times need ... We are appreciative for every and any business that is willing to support us. Without their assistance, we wouldn't do everything that we do today."

All the donations to the nonprofit benefit families in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

This is the second year BMW of Sarasota partnered with Mothers Helping Mothers, said Phil Larrick, parts director of BMW of Sarasota.

"It's a really good charity," he said. "It is a local Sarasota charity. We are trying to give back as much as we can."

The event has raised several thousand dollars for the nonprofit in previous years, said Dean Lambert, franchise owner of World of Beer-Sarasota.

During the two-day festival, five bands will perform on the stage adjacent to the Courtyard by Marriott and German food and beer will be sold.

"We got great German food and great German beer that they've probably never tried and awesome entertainment," Lambert said. "These are the two days I look forward to the most."

Matt LoPiano comes down every year from New England for the WOBtoberfest and to help his friend, Lambert, serve beer to the attendees.

"It's the entire element, serving the people and making people smile," LoPiano said of why he volunteers to help every year.

WOBtoberfest continues Saturday from noon to 2 a.m. at World of Beer-Sarasota, 8217 Tourist Center Drive. While there is no admission cost, food and beer tickets must be purchased at the event.

Claire Aronson, is the University Parkway/Sarasota reporter. Contact her at 941-745-7024 or at caronson@bradenton.com. Follow her on Twitter @Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published October 11, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "University Parkway World of Beer celebrates Oktoberfest ."