Oktoberfest headed to OPC
ROCHESTER — Oktoberfest returns to the Older Persons Commission 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14.
The party includes live music from one of metro Detroit’s premier German bands, Bavarian style food, and beer from Rochester Mills Brewery. The event is open to the public and will be held under the tent in OPC’s south parking lot.
Tickets cost $10 and include a homemade DeutschTroit pretzel. The OPC’s Oktoberfest is made possible by presenting sponsor Serra Rochester Hills, entertainment sponsor Chief Financial Credit Union; beverage sponsor Stoney Creek Advisors and pretzel sponsor Aetna. The OPC is located at 650 Letica Drive, Rochester. Oktoberfest tickets can be purchased by calling (248) 659-1029.
Yates Cider Mill celebrates 160 years of tradition with festival
ROCHESTER —Yates Cider Mill is celebrating its 160th year in business with a celebration at its Lake Orion location 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 9-10 at Canterbury Village for the annual Donut and Cider Fest.
“We are absolutely elated to mark this incredible milestone of 160 years serving our beloved community with the finest ciders and most irresistible donuts,” Sarah Yates, the fourth-generation owner of Yates Cider Mill, said in a statement. “The Donut & Cider Fest is our way of expressing gratitude to our patrons, both longstanding and new, who have made this journey possible.”
Attendees can anticipate live music, free games and bounce houses for children, a petting zoo, contests and an assortment of vendors. Tickets for the festival can be purchased at maingatetickets.com. A highlight of the celebration is the unveiling of the Signature Yates Donut Sundae, organizers said.
Yates Cider Mill’s 160th season kicked off Sept. 1.
Yappy Hour to be held Sept. 21
ROCHESTER HILLS — Metro Detroiters are invited to Meadow Brook Hall’s sprawling gardens 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 21, to support the Michigan Animal Rescue League at its 14th annual Yappy Hour.
Proceeds from the pet-friendly cocktail party – MARL’s biggest fundraising event of the year – will support the organization’s work of providing life-saving care to over 1,500 homeless and at-risk dogs and cats each year. Attendees will enjoy cocktails, culinary delights, gourmet treats, several photo opportunities, a silent auction and more while mingling with two- and four-legged guests throughout the fundraiser.
“Yappy Hour is a truly special event. This year we are celebrating 70 years of MARL’s unwavering dedication to animal welfare so guests can expect an especially memorable evening,” Magee Humes, MARL’s executive director, said in a press release. ”The funds raised are critical in allowing us to continue our important work of providing life-saving care to homeless and at-risk dogs and cats.”
Cat lovers can also join in on the spirit of Yappy Hour by supporting Team Cat and MARL’s feline friends. Yappy Hour tickets start at $125 and include two drink tickets, a strolling dinner and unlimited gourmet dog treats. Certain sponsorship levels include an invitation to an exclusive VIP pre-event reception. All information can be found online at marl.org/yappy-hour.
Citizens Fire Academy to begin Sept. 21
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Fire Department’s annual Citizens Fire Academy will start Sept. 21. Weekly classes run 6-9:30 p.m. Thursdays through Nov. 16. All classes will start at the fire station, 277 E. Second St. in Rochester.
The Citizens Fire Academy is an interactive program for people to learn firsthand about Fire Department and emergency medical service operations. Through a series of lectures, field trips and simulated activities, participants will get an inside look at the training of an actual firefighter. Attendees will tour the fire station and its training campus, ride on a firetruck, experience firefighting tasks, become CPR certified, learn first-aid skills, tour the fire/police dispatch center, wear firefighter gear, learn to use a fire extinguisher and to extinguish a small fire, watch demonstrations of different fire apparatuses, experience zero visibility in the fire training building and operate a thermal imaging camera, use the Jaws of Life, and learn about special operations — including technical rescue and hazardous materials. To register or get more information, contact Fire Marshal John Shepp at Jshepp@rochestermi.org or (248) 651-4470.