The diocese’s shepherd has first experience with the Knights event that has raised thousands for charity
By Dan McWilliams
The 33rd annual Oktoberfest, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 8152 of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville, drew a special guest on the first of its two nights Oct. 18-19.
Bishop Mark Beckman came to the Knights’ grounds on Highway 70 to partake in the event celebrating traditional German food and drink, dress, and music. He said he was “absolutely” enjoying himself at the fest.
Father Michael Woods, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade, does the Chicken Dance at the Oktoberfest sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of St. Alphonsus Parish in Crossville. (Photo Dan McWilliams)
“One of the things that I have enjoyed tonight, being here in Crossville for the Oktoberfest, is that it’s a huge community event. When I look around the room, I see a huge turnout, not only in the Catholic community—it’s open to everybody, and everybody comes,” the bishop said.
The event raises money for a number of charities supported by the Knights council.
“There’s a joyful, festive spirit,” Bishop Beckman said. “They opened at 11 this morning, and it goes till 8 tonight, and tomorrow it’ll be 11 to 8 as well. I’ve heard all styles of music tonight, and there’s great German food, I have to say.”
The bishop relished his meal at the Oktoberfest.
“Very much, yes. If you like German food, we had bratwurst and schnitzel and sauerkraut and red cabbage, all sorts of wonderful things,” he said.
Father Mark Schuster, pastor of St. Alphonsus, hosted the bishop while he was in town. Father John Appiah, a Diocese of Knoxville priest now serving as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, also attended (see story, page B3 of the November edition of The East Tennessee Catholic) as did Father Michael Woods, pastor of nearby St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Fairfield Glade.
Father Woods could be spotted doing the Chicken Dance with a group of people as the Rheingold Band played.
John Peaslee, Council 8152 Grand Knight and district deputy, said the Friday-night crowd was “very big, unexpectedly large, and I think we’re ahead, so everything we do between now and Saturday night is going to be profit to our charities and our building funds and things like that.”
The event raises thousands of dollars each year, mainly due to its strong attendance.
“We see about 3,000 people in two days,” Mr. Peaslee said. “We’ve already seen over 1,100 come through the gate [Oct. 18]. They come from all over. The band comes from Ohio. We have people serving in our bar who come in from Boston for two days on their own dime. My wife’s office, Physicians Associates, her staff is over here with kids serving popcorn and soda. We have a great support staff. We have an outstanding IT staff, and you couldn’t ask for a better-functioning thing.”
But one occurrence did top all the factors he mentioned.
“You know what makes it even better? When the bishop shows up and goes around and thanks all of these guys who have put in hundreds of hours over the last two weeks making this happen,” Mr. Peaslee said.
The Rheingold Band had people dancing at the Oktoberfest on Oct. 18. (Photo Dan McWilliams)
The event supports more than 10 charities in Cumberland County as well the KIND (Knights for the Intellectually Disabled) organization and flood relief in upper East Tennessee. Charities supported include St. Alphonsus Community Services, the Arc of Cumberland County, the Hilltoppers, the Hospice of Cumberland County, and Plateau Pregnancy Services. Proceeds also help maintain the buildings and grounds where the festival is held each year and where the Knights council and Fourth Degree assembly meet.
Father Schuster said this year’s Oktoberfest is at least the third one he has been to as St. Alphonsus pastor.
“I can’t remember. I’ve been to several of them. It’s wonderful every year. I think they get even bigger and bigger and bigger,” he said.
The Knights are “always very generous with the money they make here. They’re doing great works,” Father Schuster added.
When Bishop Beckman was announced as the diocese’s shepherd in the spring, Father Schuster wasted little time in issuing an invitation to the Knights event.
“It’s nice to have Bishop Beckman here. I remember back when we heard his name was announced, I quickly sent in a request to say, ‘Hey, come to the Oktoberfest,’ and so when he said yes, it was wonderful to know that he would be coming because it’s a great event, and everybody likes to see their bishop,” the Crossville pastor said.
Kristy and Robert Hodgman of Crossville get in the spirit of Oktoberfest at a Knights photo cutout board. (Photo Dan McWilliams)
Rita Reali is a St. Alphonsus parishioner who is publicity coordinator for the Oktoberfest and also takes charge of volunteer badges and the print shop. Husband Frank Reali, financial secretary for Council 8152, helps out as well.
“We love it. He’s been here since last Saturday morning. He filled up two truckloads of computer equipment, all the cash registers, all the electronics. He takes care of the electronics,” Mrs. Reali said.
“If it’s got a wire, I’m in charge,” Mr. Reali said. “I just make sure everything runs. As long as the displays are working, and the credit-card machines and the cash registers are working, then my day’s easy.”
For more information on Oktoberfest, visit crossvilleoktoberfest.com.
