The Ridgefield Lions Club invites the community to celebrate its third annual Oktoberfest on Friday and Saturday, September 11-12, at Abrams Park in Ridgefield.

Festivities run from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday and noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Friday's celebration is for guests ages 21 and older, while Saturday welcomes the whole family.

Guests can enjoy live music, great food, local vendors, beer and wine, plus crowd favorites including the stein-hoisting competition and lederhosen and dirndl contests. Food options include bratwursts, burgers, hot dogs, and other festival favorites.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact event chair Josh Olson at (605) 490-1627.

Every dollar raised supports Ridgefield Lions programs that serve the local community.

That community spirit was on full display during Ridgefield's Fourth of July celebration when the Lions hosted Operation Lionheart. Visitors stopped by the Lions booth to write more than 100 heartfelt letters to military service members while also raising nearly $500 to help provide care packages for those serving our country.