Time to bust out the beer steins and lederhosen. Oktoberfest celebrations are almost here.

Soon, South Lake Tahoe residents will chomp down on apple strudel and dance to polka — all in the name of a good cause.

The 11th annual SeptOberfest, which is hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Tahoe Sierra, will be held at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa on Sept. 26. The event features a variety of activities, including a stein-holding contest, wine tasting and silent auction.

“Everybody has a great time,” committee member Marie Foster said. “Everybody enjoys it and looks forward to the next year.”

About 300 people attended the event last year, and Foster said she expects this year’s participation to be about the same.

Proceeds will benefit local children’s organizations throughout the year. Funds go to the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Youth & Family Services and Tahoe Arts Project, as well as several other children’s organizations supported by the Kiwanis Club. Last year, SeptOberfest raised about $16,000.

All-inclusive tickets for the event cost $35 and include beer, wine, food and a free beer mug for the first 170 people who come through the door.

“We try to keep (the cost of the event) as reasonable as we can,” Foster said.

Many of the beers and wines for the fundraiser are donated or supplied by several California businesses, including The Getaway Café, Himmel Haus, MacDuff’s Public House, Jodar Vineyards, BellaGrace Vineyards, Illuminare Winery, Madrona Vineyards and Soquel Vineyards.

Himmel Haus Manager Jake Shey said donating a keg to SeptOberfest is a great way to connect with the community.

“We like helping out the community, being a part of the community and making sure everyone gets a taste of German culture,” Shey said.

Warsteiner, Paulaner and Oktoberfest are among the German beers to be poured in the SeptOberfest beer garden.

A wide range of German foods – potato pancakes, German chocolate cake and bratwursts, to name a few — will also be available.

Foster said guests participating in the auction or contests will also have a chance to win or buy a number of prizes, ranging from artwork and gift certificates to evenings of wine tasting and fine dining.

The event starts at 6 p.m. and ends about 10 p.m., Foster said. Tickets can be purchased at the Les Schwab on Lake Tahoe Boulevard or Mountain Meadow Chiropractic on Tahoe Keys Boulevard.

“It’s a real kick off to the harvest season,” she said.