Get set to “roll out the barrel” at Artoberfest 2009, the Steffen Thomas Museum’s annual fall fundraiser. This year’s event, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22 from 6 to 9:30 p.m., features a German Beer Garden theme.

The evening promises to be great fun with plenty of hearty German food, including a whole roast pig, juicy bratwursts and rich potato salad with lots of beer and wine to wash it all down. But don’t worry about the calories — you’ll dance the night away with live music provided by eclectic music wizards, Ed Douglas and Friend.

Other highlights include a raffle, a door prize and a silent auction offering hand-crafted items, jewelry, works of art, plus many other exciting items and services provided by local businesses. This year’s raffle prize is a magnificent 1978 Krugerrand, a 1-ounce fine gold South African coin in a 14-karat gold pendant setting valued at approximately $1,250. Raffle tickets are priced at $10 each; $25 for three. Must be present to win.

So, if you’re ready for an evening filled with lots of gemütlichkeit set in a venue showcasing the astonishing, prolific art of the German-American artist, Steffen Thomas, just mark your calendar and come join us. Recommended attire is casual with a German flair.

Admission to Artoberfest 2009 is $35 per person. For reservations/admission, please call the museum at (706) 342-7557. A guest list will be at the door; tickets will not be issued. All proceeds benefit STMA’s Arts Outreach Program offering year-round art education to families, students and individuals in our tri-county, Lake Oconee community.

Special thanks to the following whose generous support made this event possible: Bank of Madison; David Crawford, CPA; DreamTeam Technologies Inc.; Georgia Power – A Southern Company; The Herald-Journal; HouseSmart; Jim Boyd and Associates; Madison Studios; Morgan County Citizen; Smith Communications Inc.; Vanishing Rural Georgia Art, and Yellowbook.

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is located at 4200 Bethany Road in Buckhead. It is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more details and directions, please call (706) 342-7557 or visit www.steffenthomas.org.