The Rotary’s 18th annual Oktoberfest is this month

The annual Moriches Rotary Oktoberfest will take place once again at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck in Center Moriches as a family-friendly event featuring traditional German biergarten, live bands, dancers, local vendors, and a carnival.

This year’s much-anticipated Oktoberfest is scheduled for Sept. 25-27. The weekend-long festival is hosted by the Moriches Rotary.

The 18th annual Oktoberfest will take place at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, in Center Moriches, on Sept. 25 from 6 until 10 p.m.; Sept. 26 from noon until 10 p.m.; and Sept. 27 from noon until 6 p.m. The family-friendly event costs $25 per person over the age of 21 and includes a free beer or soft drink. Anyone under 21 is free; and children are encouraged to attend. Retired and active military and seniors are $20 to enter.

According to Peter Traina, vice president of Moriches Rotary and chairperson of the event, Oktoberfest will feature local vendors, carnival rides and games, as well as a biergarten featuring German beers, German dancers and German bands. 

Moriches Rotary’s Oktoberfest is modeled off of the original Oktoberfest in Germany, which started in 1810 in celebration of the marriage of the Prince of Bavaria.

The Rotary originally got the idea to host an Oktoberfest festival as a fundraising opportunity. Also, Traina said, he was motivated by his mother’s German heritage and his love of the festival. 

“I want to come back [from Munich] and give our community the most authentic experience possible,” he said, noting he has been visiting Germany since he was a kid. This year, he will have also just arrived back home from Munich a week before the fest.

He said that even though this is a rain-or-shine event, weather is always a factor. However, if it’s a good weekend, he said, the event usually raises about $60,000 after expenses.

Proceeds from Oktoberfest go to support Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, which has been owned and operated by the Moriches Rotary for over 80 years, with a mission to help special-needs children on Long Island.

For more information on Oktoberfest visit Morichesrotary.org, camppaquatuck.com or call (631) 878-1070.

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT THE DOOR

• Dates: Sept. 25–27
• Location: Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck, 2 Chet Swezey Road, Center Moriches
• Hours: Friday 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday noon– 10 p.m., Sunday noon– 6 p.m.
• General Admission: $25 for adults (includes a complimentary beer, wine, or drink for ages 21+)
• Discounted Admission: $20 for military and seniors
• Youth Admission: Free for anyone under 21