Branford Lions in lederhosen are ready to bring the community spirit of Oktoberfest back to town on Sun. Oct. 15 at Stony Creek Brewery. The Lion's third annual Oktoberfest offers food, fun, entertainment and, of course, beer, on Sun. Oct. 15, 3  - 6 p.m. at the brewery, 5 Indian Neck Ave. All event proceeds will help the all-volunteer Branford Lions Club's continued charitable support the Branford community.

For residents who remember Branford's annual Beer Festivals of over 40 years ago, the Lions have brought the best elements of that popular festival back, tied into an old-fashioned Oktoberfest that has been instantly embraced by the community, said event co-chair and Lion's Past President, Perry Maresca.

"We're rejuvenating the old beer festival with Oktoberfest, which is a little more subtle and a really great time," said Maresca. "This is our third Oktoberfest at Stony Creek Brewery, and we basically sell out each year in the Celebration Room."

The event pulls in a standing-room only crowd and advance ticket purchases are highly recommended. Tickets, $40, include a full German-style dinner and are available here

In addition to enjoying a variety of freshly crafted brews, Oktoberfest guests can join the Lions for a brewery tour and can also head down to the brewery grounds alongside the Branford River. Oktoberfest will once again be set to music with traditional accordion tunes from Branford's own Dave　Goclowski.

Branford Lions Club has been in town for 66 years and has a robust membership of some 60 members, from newer, millennial-aged members to those who have been active with the club for 30 years. Proceeds from the 2016 Oktoberfest ($6,800) allowed Branford Lions to deliver four donations of $1,700 each to Community Dining Room, Feed Branford Kids, Branford Food Pantry and BHCare's Branford Clothing Bank.

For more information on the club or the third annual Oktoberfest, find Branford Lions Club on Facebook.