The Rotary Club of the Moriches hosted its 17th Annual Oktoberfest at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck over the weekend, bringing a lively celebration of Bavarian culture to the community. The three-day event featured traditional German food and beverages, live entertainment, carnival rides from Wonderland Midway, and a variety of local vendors.
Event chair Peter Traina said the festival is about more than just food and fun. “This is a celebration of Bavarian culture, but it’s also about bringing people together,” Traina said. “From families enjoying the rides to neighbors sampling local food and beer, it’s an event that truly unites our community. Prost!”
The festival was made possible through support from numerous local businesses and community leaders, including Nettie’s Bakery, Steve Kronman & Imperial Bag & Paper, Norberto Pool Company, The Rico Foundation, Exit Liberty Realty, The Kanas Foundation, True Value, C.M. South Shore Plumbing, Moriches Bay Diner, All Aspect Tree Co., Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Kevin and Kate Spellman, Muriel Corcoran, Morgan Stanley, Aspen+Ash Development and the Dunathan family, and Rotary Club President Mike Lally.
Visitors explored a range of vendors, including Everything But the Beach, Bad Smoothies, Melted Moma Confections, LaCorte’s Farm Stand, Pocket Full of Druzy, Sea Breeze Sensations, Holly Saladino’s handcrafted jewelry, EMO Apparel, S&T Enterprises, and East Coast Babes. VFW Post 414 of Center Moriches also participated, proudly supporting veterans and their families.
Attendees also enjoyed interactive games, photo opportunities, and cultural demonstrations that showcased traditional Bavarian music, dance, and crafts. Families and friends mingled, sampling delicacies while enjoying a festive, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Organizers said proceeds from Oktoberfest benefit Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, supporting programs for children and young adults with disabilities. The annual festival continues to serve as a highlight of the community calendar, bringing together neighbors, local businesses, and volunteers to celebrate culture, community, and service.