MILTON-FREEWATER — Don’t be fooled by the name — the third annual Milton-Freewater Kiwanis Summer Kick Off Beer & Wine Fest is a family event.

It offers something for all ages. Those 21 and older can sample beer, wine, cider and spirits from area brewers, vintners and distillers. Other activities include local food trucks, live music, yard games, a bouncy castle and cornhole tournament.

The festival fundraiser is Saturday, May 18, 1-10 p.m. at Yantis Park, 200 DeHaven St. Live music includes Jojo’s Mojo, The Von Jensen Experience, The Wasteland Kings and more.

The Von Jensen Experience is known for “toe-tapping, rock-your-socks-off Texas style blues.” Jojo’s Mojo plays country-rock and is fronted by Nashville recording artist JoAnne “JoJo” Mohrland. The Wasteland Kings is an Americana band based in La Grande that plays around Eastern Oregon.

More than 50 beers, wines, ciders and spirits will be available from over 20 local brewers, vintners, and distillers across Northeast Oregon and the Walla Walla Valley.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the gate, and include entrance, five tasting tokens and a souvenir glass. Regular tickets for non-drinkers are $10.

For more information or a link to purchase tickets, search Facebook via bit.ly/42vXGVs.

Community service

The local Kiwanis are a nonprofit community service organization serving the needs of children and families.

“We work hard but have a lot of fun,” said Debbie York, club secretary.

Their fundraisers help with a variety of projects: high school scholarships, sponsoring a baseball team, helping sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt, participating in the community Trick or Treat, buying under clothing and sweats for the youngest grade school students who sometimes need to change while at school, and buying all the milk for the Christmas Food Baskets.

Starting on Dec. 4, 1980, the Milton-Freewater Kiwanis Club has provided substantial service to the community. They own the building that houses The Breadbasket, a local food bank, and only charge $4 per year for rent.

The Kiwanis built the frisbee golf course at Marie Dorian Park and paint over graffiti at the park. They help with vision checks at the elementary school and volunteer at the annual Special Olympics Track Meet. Every Day Hero Awards are presented by the club to community members who go out of their way to help others.

Kiwanis President Ryan Westman is proud of the club’s service and accomplishments. “We are always looking for new members.”

To learn more about the group, search Facebook via bit.ly/42vXGVs, email Westman at ryanwwestman@gmail.com or call 308-530-5448.