Relative of Post Falls founder to attend Oktoberfest

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — Tonight's 23rd Oktoberfest fundraiser dinner and auctions for the nonprofit Post Falls Historical Society and museum will feature a guest of honor with family ties to the city's founding roots.

Monte Martin, great-great-grandson of Post Falls founder and German immigrant Frederick Post, will be an attendee.

"He will be retracing some of his family roots," said Kim Brown, a historical society member. "Working with family members to preserve their roots is critical to our ongoing historic operation in Post Falls."

Oktoberfest, sponsored by the Post Falls Community Volunteers, runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Q'emiln Park.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for seniors and children. The public is invited.

The event features a traditional German meal of bratwurst, sauerkraut, red cabbage slaw, potato salad and dessert.

"Live music will be played throughout the evening and both silent and live auctions will take place," said Linda Gibson, historical society member.

A beer-tasting section featuring local breweries Selkirk Abbey, Northern Cross, Post Falls Brewing Co. and Mad Bomber will also be available.

In 1870, Post first claimed the Post Falls area as the site of a water-powered lumber mill at the falls on the Spokane River. He negotiated a treaty with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe for the use of water power at the falls.

Post was born in Herborn, Germany, which is now Post Falls' associate city. Several local longtime families have visited Herborn over the years and the city of Post Falls has hosted the Herborn Big Band for local performances.