Oktoberfest began over 35 years ago starting out with 10-20 RV’s traveling to Livingston Texas during the month of October. Escapee members would reunite every year for cookouts and to clear land for the beginning development of what is now called Rainbow’s End RV Park. Over the years it grew into an Oktoberfest event which mainly featured a dessert auction raising money for Livingston Volunteer Fire Department. In 2019 the club and park decided that Escapees CARE, Inc. take the reins hosting this event as a fundraiser and to continue raising money with the dessert auction for the Livingston Volunteer Fire Dept.

The Fire Chief reported that since 1996 Escapees have contributed over $200,000 to the LVFD.  The money raised helps buy personal protective equipment and other equipment used. Operating expenses such as fuel are covered by government sources.

Other monies raised at Oktoberfest benefit Escapees CARE, Inc. a non-profit 501 c3 tax deductible organization.

People also donate items to Oktoberfest which are placed in a Silent Auction. There is a sheet by each item on which people place their bids on. The auction runs till the close of Oktoberfest when the bids are read and the highest bidder pays for the item and walks away with it.

The CARE Kitchen staff and volunteers also put on a Food Court selling items such as bratwurst, hamburgers, etc.

A Beer Garden booth with beer and wine also brings in money and a 50/50 Raffle in which people buy tickets for the chance to win 1/2 of the proceeds and the other half going to CARE. Some events vary from year to year.

In 2022 there was a Loaded Potato sold with condiments and a drink for $10. The Texas EMS, Tall Pines Assisted Living, Carter Healthcare, Timberwood Nursing and Rehabilitation, The Bradford at Brookside, Gentiva, and Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital at Humble sponsored the Loaded Potato event.

Many volunteers are needed for a successful event and the number of companies who become our sponsors are keep growing. A special shirt is designed and sold at the event.

Watch for the date of the next Oktoberfest and participate