In the 2006 movie of the same name, Beerfest is the underground German drinking game tournament at which American protagonists Todd and Jan Wolfhouse fail miserably and, in turn, return to the States to recruit American college students to start a drinking team of their own.
After the usual pitfalls, hurdles and comedic errors, the American team, of course emerges victorious against the Germans.
Here in Milwaukee, Tony Wojtecki, owner of The Bottle, 1753 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., is hoping for a similarly happy ending to his Beerfest.
For the fourth year in a row, Wojtecki hosts Beerfest at the Bottle on Saturday, May 8. And yes, the day's events are centered around four-person teams competing in a variety of basic drinking games -- beer pong, flip cup, das boot and a new dice game this year.
But trust us, there is a better reason than simple intoxication for four to five hours of day drinking on a Saturday.
"Beerfest is a charity event that I hold annually to benefit unfortunate individuals in time of need," says Wojtecki.
Last year Wojtecki, who donates all the beer for the event, helped raise $2,100 for Scott Alpren, a friend of his who came within 12 hours of death due to pneumonia.
"He pulled out of it and went home just before Christmas after being in ICU for nearly three months. He didn't have insurance."
The year before that, Beerfest raised $1,700 for Larry Couch, who had a stroke but lacked insurance. This year's recipient is another friend of Wojtecki's. Kevin "Dog" Olinechek, Wojtecki's Beerfest partner for last four years, lost his job last year due to downsizing then suffered a stroke in February, paralyzing his left side.
"With no money coming in and bills racking up, we want to raise as much money as we can for this guy."
Of course, if you're just observing, there is no participation fee. But if you and three friends are willing to go head to head in a little friendly flip cup competition, the cost is $100 per team. Area businesses have donated prizes for a raffle.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
