FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Have a question? Email us for an answer: SIAmazingGrapes@gmail.com

1. Is Oktoberfest replacing Amazing Grapes this year?

Yes! We heard from many of you that there was an interest in trying something new, and Oktoberfest seemed like the perfect choice. Amazing Grapes has been a cherished tradition and will likely return next year. We’re excited to bring a fresh experience while continuing to honor the events we’ve enjoyed in the past!

2. Where do I get event info?

Instagram will be your best resource! Be sure to follow @si_parent_club_events for daily event information. We will also share event information via the School News emails.

3. Is this a Beerfest? 

Not at all! While Oktoberfest does have a beer focus, there will be plenty of non-beer options for everyone. You can enjoy a selection of beers, wines, and some cider which are all included in your ticket price. Additionally, Champs Bar will still be serving up classic cocktails for purchase. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

4. What is Champs Bar and do I need to buy a wristband if I want a cocktail?

Champs Bar is our casual cocktail spot where some of our SI dads channel their inner bartender, so if you’re looking to enjoy a drink beyond beer and wine, find your way to the Champs crew. You can either purchase a $30 Prost Pass wristband for unlimited cocktail access or purchase $12 individual drink tickets. Cheers! 

5. Is there a dress code? What type of attire should I wear?

While lederhosen and dirndl will definitely add to the Oktoberfest fun, don’t worry—there’s no formal dress code here! Feel free to come in your favorite casual outfit and enjoy the festivities. We love a good theme outfit, but what’s most important is that you’re comfortable and ready to have a great time. Spoiler: there will be a costume contest! If you need inspiration, check out our mood board.

6. Should I bring friends who don’t go to SI?

Please do - we encourage it! Feel free to bring friends and family who aren’t part of the school community. We want this event to be a fantastic, casual gathering that brings everyone together, not just a school fundraiser. The more, the merrier!

7. What is Early Access?

Early Access tickets let you kick off the evening an hour (at 5:30) before General Admission. You’ll savor delicious German-inspired bites from Canon, a top-notch local restaurant known for its incredible food - a big thank you to the generous and talented Nutting Family! Enjoy live music, beer, wine, and of course, a signature cocktail that was a huge hit last year. Plus, you’ll take home an SI-branded stein as a keepsake. It’s a fantastic way to dive into the festivities and enjoy a more intimate experience!

8. Is this a dinner event? 

This isn’t a seated dinner event, but you’ll find various tasty options to graze on throughout the night. We’ll have a variety of food offerings including Bavarian soft pretzels, German sausages, gourmet cheeses, and some local sweet treats. And our not-so-Bavarian but always loved - tacos! All of these food options are included with your ticket.

9. How can I get donation credits?

Any money spent for this event counts towards your fundraising dollar requirement. From main event tickets to commemorative steins to Free Dress passes - it all tallies up towards that $500 family requirement.

10. What is a Sign-Up Party?

Sign-up parties are a blast and a great way to support the school while mingling with other parents! These fun events are hosted/donated by SI families and can include anything from Ladies Bunco Night to a PickleBall Tournament. Families sign up and pay to attend to rise funds for SI. You’ll find the hosted parties listed on GiveSmart where you can pay to reserve your spot. These parties are super popular and fill up fast, so be sure to snag your spot when they are posted on GiveSmart!

Can I host a Sign-Up Party? Yes! If you host a Sign-Up Party, not only will you get to create a fantastic experience, but all the hours you put in will count towards your Major Fundraising Hours and dollars spent toward your fundraising dollars. Interested? Reach out to us at siamazinggrapes@gmail.com—we’re always excited to welcome new ideas! Get creative! Class Experience options are posted on GiveSmart.

11. What is a Classroom Experience and do all families have to contribute to purchase it? 

A Classroom Experience is a fun and inclusive activity for the entire class to enjoy at some point during the school year. The cost of these experiences can vary depending on the activity and may differ from class to class. Examples from last year include a trip to the movie theater, a visit from a magician, and PJ/Movie Day complete with popcorn and treats. Teachers will choose a party for their classroom from a list of options presented by the Oktoberfest planning team.

There are no expectations for every family to contribute to the cost. Families can choose to coordinate with others and split the cost, but please don’t approach the whole class for contributions. Whether a group of families chips in or one family makes a generous contribution, every child will get to enjoy the experience!

12. What is a Class Pretzel?

Class Pretzels are the Oktoberfest version of “Grapes for Kids.” These are paper cutouts that will be displayed on classroom doors. You can purchase as many Class Pretzels as you want for students on GiveSmart and it turns into a fun classroom competition to see which class can collect the most pretzels! Each week, the winning class gets coffee for their teachers, and the top classes at the end will enjoy a pretzel party! It’s a great way to involve the kids in the fun of this parent-only event. Every dollar spent counts towards your family fundraising dollars! In an effort to promote the collective class goal, we will be posting Pretzels on classroom doors with total count numbers in place of names for the kids to track their classroom standing. With this change, we are hoping our generous parents continue to enthusiastically participate in this fun and competitive classroom contest. Contest will run from 9/18 - 10/12.  

13. What activities will there be at the event?

In true Oktoberfest spirit we’ll have lots of entertainment including lawn games and Stein races, live Polka music followed by a pop playlist for dancing into the night, and a costume contest for those going full-send on the theme. You can also take a spin on the Winners Wheel and we’ll be drawing the big winner for our 50/50 Raffle.

14. Do I need to bring cash to the event?

While most items can be purchased in advance on GiveSmart, a few items will be available for purchase at the event: Winners Wheel spins ($10), Jello Shots ($2), Raffle Tickets ($5). While we will have electronic payment options (and prefer them), we will accept cash! That said, payments made by cash will not be logged towards family fundraising dollars. 

15. What is the Winner’s Wheel?

Our fan favorite Wine Wheel will be having a Bavarian moment at Oktoberfest. If you purchase $10 Spin Ticket(s), you can take your chances on the Winners Wheel to win gift cards, beer, merch, wine, and more! Tickets will be sold in advance and the night of. You have to spin to win! 

16. How can I get involved?

We’re thrilled you want to help! There are lots of ways to get involved, both before and on the day of the event, all of which count towards your Major Fundraising Hours. Watch for our HelperHelper sign-ups in the coming weeks, and keep an eye on your email for details. We’re also looking for Sign-Up Party hosts, donations, and sponsors. If you're interested or have questions, just reach out to siamazinggrapes@gmail.com.