BY EMILY SUHR
Gerritsen Beach community members filled the Knights of Columbus backyard for the organization’s annual Oktoberfest, celebrating tradition and charity with food, music, and plenty of local spirit on Oct. 18.
Originally a 19th century Bavarian wedding celebration, Oktoberfest has evolved into a global festival of German culture and beer. Some of the kids dressed in costumes, emulating traditional German clothing. Older members helped contribute to the event through food, connecting it to the holiday’s roots.
“We’ve got quite a few German members that like to cook the spaetzle for the occasion,” said Knights of Columbus Council 5989 President Jim Breslin. “Other members were on the grill making burgers, and bratwurst, and hotdogs, and we had a few German beers.”
For just $5 at the door, attendees were entered into a raffle for a prize while enjoying live music from local DJ Mike Combat. The event, once held in the fields across from the Knights’ clubhouse, has found a new home in the organization’s recently renovated backyard.
“The Parks Department didn’t really like the field thing anymore so we decided to take it on and bring it back to our place,” said Breslin. “Since the recent renovation of the backyard, it’s become quite a success.”
As with most of the Knights’ events, Oktoberfest had a charitable purpose. The organization, known for its steady support of neighborhood causes, regularly raises funds that go back into the community. Recently, the Knights donated trophies for the Dan 5K Fun Run/Walk For Cancer in honor of former member Dan Foster, and continue to sponsor other local initiatives throughout the year.
“Charity, Unity, Fraternity, Patriotism,” explains Breslin. “It’s the four words that mean a lot to the people of this little community of the Knights of Columbus.”
This year, Oktoberfest will help fund the Knights’ Christmas festivities. They host an annual party, which is open to all kids in the neighborhood regardless of whether their parents are affiliated with the Knights.
“Most of the proceeds for this are going to go to Christmas for the kids,” said Cathy Hynes, a Ladies Auxiliary member of the Knights of Columbus, who ran the 50/50 raffle. “We buy all the kids in the community gifts.”
For many, the event is as much about community as it is about celebration. People come from all over Brooklyn to participate in the Gerritsen Beach Oktoberfest because of the good company.
“I like the camaraderie here,” said Margaret Sullivan, who traveled from Windsor Terrace to attend. “Everybody gets together, and everyone’s always so friendly and outgoing. Even though I’m an outsider, everyone’s always so welcoming to me.”
Lasting all afternoon into the evening, the festival remains a cherished event in the community, uniting people for both a good time and a charitable cause.
“It’s more tradition than anything, you’ve got a beautiful time of year where the colors are changing, and just to get people out and hanging out with each other,” said Breslin. “I believe it’s just autumn itself.