News Summary
The Nature Friends Club successfully held its annual Oktoberfest, drawing about 60 members to celebrate community and culture. The event is particularly significant as the club moves forward with rebuilding efforts after a devastating fire destroyed their historic lodge. Fundraising has raised $140,000 to preserve the lodge’s heritage while modernizing it. The celebration featured traditional Bavarian activities and underscores the club’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement in the face of challenges.
Sierra Madre, CA – The Nature Friends Club successfully celebrated its annual Oktoberfest on October 21, 2025, attracting approximately 60 members to the outdoor venue. This event marked a significant moment for the club as it continues to rebuild after the devastating fire that destroyed its historic lodge in January 2025.
The lodge, which was constructed in 1923 by German immigrants, was known for its charming Bavarian styling. Following the fire, which was part of the larger Eaton fire that decimated over 9,400 structures in the region, the Nature Friends Club cleared the rubble and set up a temporary stage for outdoor events, allowing members to reconnect and engage in traditional celebrations.
President Jim Angus stated that the aftermath of the fire has been embraced as a challenge and an opportunity for the club. The Nature Friends Club, which has about 200 members, is a local branch of Naturfreunde, an organization with roots dating back to 1895. In light of the fire, the club has conducted fundraising efforts that have raised around $140,000 aimed at rebuilding the lodge. This reconstruction plan seeks to preserve the lodge’s alpine aesthetic while incorporating modern innovations and will occur in stages.
Cultural and Community Engagement
During the Oktoberfest celebration, members enjoyed various traditional Bavarian activities, including the lively schuhplattler dance. The event showcased not only a commitment to German heritage but also the club’s evolution into a diverse organization, welcoming members from different backgrounds, including the LGBTQ community. The Nature Friends Club is also known for hosting various cultural and ecological activities, such as drum circles and shamanic training sessions, fostering a sense of inclusivity and community.
Among the club’s members is Lila Ghobady, who hosted a Nowruz celebration at the lodge in 2023. Ghobady expressed her personal connection to the lodge, recalling fond memories from her childhood in Darband, Iran. Such narratives underscore the emotional and cultural importance the lodge holds for many.
Future Plans and Resilience
Director of Operations, Zak Clark, has played a pivotal role in attracting younger members to the club and encouraging their participation in events. The Nature Friends Club aims to expand its nonprofit status and is pursuing educational and outreach programs within the community, emphasizing its commitment to being an active and engaging organization.
Retired contractor Darrell Goodwin is leading the reconstruction initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the rebuilding process. Members have displayed notable resilience as they contend with various challenges since the fire, including winter mudslides and local wildlife such as bears breaking into properties.
Despite the setbacks, the club’s sense of community remains strong. Members look forward to future events, including a December night market named “Dezemberfest,” scheduled for December 13, 2025. The Nature Friends Club continues to demonstrate its dedication to rebuilding not only the lodge but also its mission of fostering cultural connections and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Oktoberfest Nature Friends Sierra Madre
- Google Search: Nature Friends Mountain Retreat After Los Angeles Fires
- Pasadena Star News: Eaton Fire Forces Out Thousands
- Wikipedia: Sierra Madre, California
- Alta: Rising From The Ashes LA Fires
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
