Oktoberfest in Lynbrook returns to Greis Park on Sept. 28

Oktoberfest returns to Lynbrook with contests, music, food and drinks on Sept. 28.

“It’s an event that was started several years ago by a group of residents, with the backing of the mayor, who wanted to bring a family friendly community event to the village in the fall season, because there wasn’t really an event like that,” Oktoberfest volunteer Michael Davies said. “It organically grew over the last several years because of its popularity.”

Lynbrook’s Oktoberfest tradition began in 2019, but was quickly disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, and disrupted again last year by harsh weather.

“It was interrupted by Covid, and it was interrupted by really bad weather one year, but it’s been a pretty big success for the village in the last several years,” Davies said.

Prior events have had thousands of Lynbrook community members turn out; over 2,500 participants attended the 2021 Oktoberfest. That year, the village’s plan for the event expanded to include more contests and attractions.

“It really was great,” Mayor Alan Beach said in previous conversations with the Herald. “There were so many nice volunteers trying to help out and make it work so well. So many people helped. It was really a great event.”

The annual tradition has grown to include vendors selling crafts, musical performances, and balloon artistry. Other attractions have been tailored to appeal to different age ranges.

Entertainment for adults includes the annual beer stein holding contest, a keg-tossing contest and an abundance of things to eat and drink, including pie, bratwurst, pretzels and beer. The children’s area features inflatable bounce houses, face painting, and obstacle courses.

“It’s a great event for the community,” volunteer Nicole Giacopelli said. “The most important thing is having the village come together. Lynbrook village is an amazing place to live in, and I think people see that when they come to an event like this.”

This year’s event is unique, partnering with the Mary Ruchalski Foundation to rally the community around a life-saving cause. Starting an hour before Oktoberfest, the foundation will hold the Mary Ruchalski Foundation Fun Run to raise funds for research and treatment for pediatric cancer.

“We are so grateful to the village of Lynbrook and to Brian Curran’s office for their continued support of our foundation, and for acknowledging Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month,” Foundation Co-Founder Carol Ruchalski said.

Children can participate in the fundraiser for $20, and will receive free admittance into Oktoberfest afterwards.

Oktoberfest is made possible through the efforts of its volunteer staffers and planners, such as volunteer Patrica Alonge.

“When the idea of the Oktoberfest was first floated, I was invited to come down to a meeting, and that was one of my first forays into doing something with the village,” Alonge said. “Once you’re in as a volunteer for this event, you kind of get hooked.”

“The first year, we had no idea what to expect,” Alonge said. “We were blown away by the amount of people that came down to participate. It’s been such a hit and has taken off that it’s exciting to see the village host such a great time.”

To learn more about volunteering for future events, speak to Oktoberfest staff or visit LynbrookVillage.net