F.O.P celebrate Oktoberfest

By Scott Baker
Sparta — The Sparta Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 26 returned to the Mohawk House for their fourth annual Oktoberfest fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 18.

What started as a giveback event for F.O.P. associate members is growing every year, said Sparta police Department Lt. Neil Spidaletto.

Tickets were also available to the public for a $35 donation, which included an all-you-can-eat buffet of authentic German cuisine and Oktoberfest beers on tap, all of which was donated by Mohawk House owners Steve and Rachel Scro.

This year, there were about 250 people in attendance.

“When I built this place, this is what I wanted,” Steve Scro said, of giving back to the community. “I may not do a lot of benefits,but when I do, I do them right.”

Spidaletto thanked the Scros for their efforts on behalf of the department.

“Steve and Rachel have always been fabulous to the police and our union,” Spidaletto said. “The food, the ambiance, all perfect.”

This year’s brisk autumn weather was more suited to an Oktoberfest celebration than last year’s 80-plus degree temperature during a late year heat wave. The color of the foliage also added to the atmosphere of the event.

The menu included short rib sauerbraten, spaetzel, an assortment of wurst, fresh cider kraut, Gala apple red cabbage, German potato salad, and soft pretzels with fresh-ground beer mustard. Though the menu was authentic German, ingredients were all from local farms and orchards, which has been the philosophy of the Mohawk House since its inception.

“It’s all done for love of the community,” Scro said. “And the reason Sparta’s a good community to live in is partially because of the police.”

As always, money raised by the F.O.P. is used to benefit a variety of causes.

Patrolman Kurt Morris, who currently serves as F.O.P. president, said money raised at the event goes primarily to the town. Little league teams, Boy and Girl Scouts and the Sparta Junior Police Academy have all been benefactors in past years. Money can also be used to aid sick and injured brethren both near and far.

“We are open to hear any type of local request throughout the year,” Morris said.