STATEN ISLAND, NY – The five Rotary Clubs of Staten Island in partnership with Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 New York are proud to bring Staten Island Oktoberfest to Pouch Scout Camp for the first time in five years.
The 5th Annual Staten Island Oktoberfest held in memory of Bernard Del Rey, the late former president of the Mid-Island Rotary Club, who was instrumental in organizing the first Staten Island Oktoberfest, is slated to continue its tradition on Saturday September 26, 2020 at its new venue.
The Boy Scouts of America of New York City are excited for the opportunity to host the upcoming Staten Island Oktoberfest. “Pouch Scout Camp on Manor Road has a suite of fantastic facilities, including the 10+ acre Camporee field, which are available for public rental,” notes Pouch Camp Committee Chair Matt Gaor. “We’re thrilled to be able to provide a venue where thousands of Staten Islanders can gather to celebrate. We look forward to a long relationship with the Rotary Clubs of Staten Island.” Pouch Scout Camp is the largest piece of privately-owned property in New York City at just over 120 acres.
Staten Island’s five Rotary Clubs (Gateway, Mid-Island, North Shore, Staten Island, & South Shore) along with Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 New York bring the community together and offers an opportunity to support past members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The family fun day will include kids’ games and activities; local vendors; traditional German folk music; food including Oktoberfest staples, like bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels and potato pancakes along with treats from your favorite local food trucks; and of course, no Oktoberfest is complete without German and local beer.
“Our community needs something to look forward to this fall, Staten Island has been hit hard by the Pandemic, and as always, our community came through together,” said event organizer Christine DeHart of the North Shore Rotary Club. “We all look forward to this annual event not only to honor and support our Veterans, but to celebrate Oktoberfest in such grand fashion.”
Since the events inception, it has welcomed over 10,000 revelers from all over the tri-state area and has raised over $120,000 to support those who have served our Country.
According to Vinny Perno, President of Rolling Thunder Chapter 2 New York, “Our partnership with the Rotary Clubs of Staten Island has been one of our most successful endeavors to date. Working together on our annual Oktoberfest event, has enabled us to help so many more of our local veterans in need.” Perno adds “on behalf of our entire membership, we thank the Boy Scouts of America of New York City. We are beyond excited about bringing this amazing event to our new home, William H. Pouch Scout Camp”
Organizers are working hard to ensure a grand event in a safe environment for all to enjoy. Visit sioktoberfest.com to learn more, seek vendor and sponsorship opportunities.
About Rotary
Staten Island is home to 5 Rotary Clubs who meet at different times for fellowship & philanthropy. Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change. Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org.