Kiwanis of Yorkville raises almost $25,000 in scholarship funds at Yorktoberfest celebration

Games and activities entertained guests of all ages at Yorktoberfest Oct 2 at Riverfront Park.

The Kiwanis Club of Yorkville members and the community at-large raised their steins - and almost $25,000 in scholarship funds - during the club’s annual Yorktoberfest celebration held Saturday, Oct. 2 in the city’s downtown.

Relocated to nearby Southbank Barbecue last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Yorktoberfest made a triumphant return to Riverfront Park bringing polka, pretzels, beer and a crowd back to the park.

Kiwanis President Jason Pesola praised the turnout Saturday, saying, “We are very happy to explode Yorktoberfest onto Yorkville once again.”

“People love coming to outdoor events, especially. Anytime we can get a gathering of people, properly socially distanced in some cases, they’re gonna come out every time in droves,” Pesola added.

In a later press release, Pesola stated that the club had originally expected to raise $15,000 from Yorktoberfest, but exceeded its own prediction this year, raising nearly $25,000.

Proceeds from Saturday’s event went to the Kiwanis Club of Yorkville Foundation, according to the press release, funding scholarships for local students, “who have shown a commitment to serving others within the community.”