Photo: Colton Davies

Penticton Oktobfest goers at the eighth annual event on Oct. 21, 2017.

Lederhosen, dancing and German beer will take over the Penticton Lakeside Resort's new convention centre on Saturday for the annual Oktoberfest.

The ninth-annual event is taking place for the first time at the resort's east ballroom, which opened in the spring.

Oktoberfest Society president Barb Schneiderat said the resort's general manager, David Prystay, has been a sponsor of the non-profit event for many years, and said it's a larger space than what they've used at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

Schneiderat said organizers are expecting about 700 people to take part.

"Every year there's more and more people coming and trying to get the authentic German outfits. It's really turning into a great fun night."

The event raises about $7,000 to $8,000 each year which gets donated back to community causes. Last week, Oktoberfest donated $25,000 to the campaign for medical equipment at the new Penticton Regional Hospital patient tower. 

Other causes the event has donated to include the YES Project, JCI, the S.S. Sicamous, and Penticton Search and Rescue, among others. 

"It's a great thing, and it's a time of year when people are looking to have fun after the summer... and a great way to raise some money for community events," Schneiderat said.

Oktoberfest goes from 6 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $35 when bought in advance, which includes admission, a mug and a free beer. At the door on Saturday, tickets will be $40.