Happy Fall Y’All
“Happy Fall Y’All” (formerly known as Oktoberfest) is a fun and festive event celebrating the beginning of the Fall season. There will be music and plenty of food and beverages. The menu will vary from year to year: to include such entrées as tri-tip, pulled pork, or smoked ribs; appetizers; beverages will include beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. The event will welcome fall in an outdoor venue with Branch 8 members and their spouses, partners, and guests.
Chairman – Thom Watkins
925/330-3780
thomwat881@gmail.com
Schedule, event reports and photos follow:
Happy Fun Y’ALL 2026
THE 2026 BRANCH 8 EVENT: “HAPPY FALL Y’ALL” |
Well, it happened: the first annual “Happy Fall Y’All” event!
From the view of the HFY Committee, and judging from comments by some members, the event appeared to be a successful one. The weather cooperated to a degree – there was a bit of a tailwind at times. the tri-tip and grilled chicken wings appeared to be the food hit; followed closely by the sausages. Also on the menu were plant-based burgers and non-alcoholic beers.
The only real negative was that there were not more folks to enjoy it. However, let’s not forget one of the great positives: The Volunteers! Without them, there would not have been the event. From the pickup, delivery and return of the tables, chairs, and the other supplies, the welcome table, the setup crew, the appetizers, dinner, and dessert teams, to the take down and clean up folks, On behalf of the Committee, I wish to offer a hearty “THANK YOU!”
Now, let us cast our thoughts toward next year. The Happy Fall Y’All committee will get together to discuss plans to make next years’ experience even better. Won’t you join us? Even better, won’t you also volunteer?
Happy Fun Y’ALL 2026
THE 2026 BRANCH 8 EVENT: “HAPPY FALL Y’ALL”Where: Cowell Community Park, 3501 Cowell Road, Concord 94520 When:
What’s to Eat and Drink?
Who is Invited? All SIR members, applicants, spouses/partners and guests. And the Price is? $35 person and, I might add, a Bargain at twice the price How Can We Sign Up? At the May, June, July, August Luncheons, or through the link below and mailing your check made out to Leo Dominguez, mailed to Leo Dominguez, 51 Briarwood Ct., Walnut Creek 94597. Team “Happy Fall Y’All” Leo Dominguez, Ron Maciak, Ray de Wit, Dan Crowley, & Thom Watkins
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OKTOBERFEST 2025
Thursday, October 16th, 12-4 PM
CONCORD COMMUNITY PARK (COWELL PARK)
Cancelled due to inclement weather. Check back for information on future events.
OKTOBERFEST 2024
The SIR Branch 8 members attended our second annual Oktoberfest event on October 17,2024. We had 88 attendees at the Concord Community Park on Cowell Road, with pleasant weather and great comradery.
The chefs, Thom Watkins, Ron Maciak, Dianna Bennett met the day before the event to prep as much of the next days meal as possible, at Leo Dominguez’ house. Dan and Lynn Crowley delivered the multiple coolers to Leo’s in the famous Yellow Side Step truck that we all can see a mile away, Dan’s baby.
The event had great decorations placed by Pete Jordan and his team up on ladders making the park a festive banner filled event. All the volunteers were terrific. The supplies, ice coolers, etc. were picked up from and returned to the store rooms by Ken Stehr, Dan Crowley, and Rob Laaback. The set up, take down volunteers swarmed the park and covered the tables, set up the canopy, the bar tenders were ready early for the thirsty crowd. The many chefs seem to work hard but enjoy themselves. Thom was again wooing the crowd with his “flame thrower” BBQ lighter. Linda Guwara gave Ron Maciak great support. The Oktoberfest music kept us moving and the conversations were terrific….lots of mingling and laughter.
Paula Murphy was fabulous, she made lists of all attendees and created the stylish name badges and what about those gingerbread cookies, yummy and exquisitely decorated.
Thank you to all the volunteers, and attendees; it was great to see many ladies attend that accompanied all the SIR members.
THANK YOU TO ALL and looking forward to Oktoberfest 2025!!!
Last updated 09/27/26 MLF
