This year's Oktoberfest and Dachshund Derby at Mountain Monk Brewers is sure to be bigger and better than last year, with organisers successfully granted $5000 as part of the Alpine Shire Council's Events Funding Program 2025/26.
More than 40 community events received a share of $143,000 in grants, to put on community events throughout the next financial year.
"The funding from Alpine Shire is absolutely essential for us," owner and operations manager at Mountain Monk Brewers, Steph Bellman said.
"It makes it possible to keep Oktoberfest and the Dachshund Derby free of charge for the community.
"Running an event of this scale involves enormous costs in terms of music, logistics, staffing and entertainment.
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"While many people might assume these events are profitable, the reality is quite different.
"Without grant support, we would have no choice but to charge an entry fee just to break even, like many other businesses do.
"Thus, we are super grateful for the grant received last year and, again, this year."
The funding will go towards keeping the live music going throughout the day, for free, providing free kids’ entertainment such as face painting and games and the logistics and infrastructure to keep everything running smoothly and safely, including rubbish removal.
"For us, it’s really about bringing the community together, creating a fun day out for all ages and making things happen in town that people genuinely look forward to," Ms Bellman said.
"Last year’s Oktoberfest and Dachshund Derby drew over 400 patrons and 75 dachshunds: it was such a joyful day and we’re hoping to grow on that success this year.
"We’re also super excited to announce a very special guest: Valerie the Dachshund, famous for surviving alone on Kangaroo Island for over a year.
"She'll be joining us for the derby and is sure to be a big hit.
"We can’t wait to see everyone in October."
For more information and to purchase tickets for this year's celebrations, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-mount-beauty-dachshund-derby
