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Oktoberfest fundraiser draws a crowd

| 07 Oct 2015 | 03:05
    Representing both Sparta FOP and Mohawk House, l to r, is: Ricki Soni, John Schanstra, Steve Scro, Neil Spidaletto and Terrence Mulligan.
    Representing both Sparta FOP and Mohawk House, l to r, is: Ricki Soni, John Schanstra, Steve Scro, Neil Spidaletto and Terrence Mulligan.
    Det. Joe Antonello and FOP President, Officer Kurt Morris.
    Det. Joe Antonello and FOP President, Officer Kurt Morris.
    Donning festive Lederhosen attire is Andy Flint with his wife Julie Flint.
    Donning festive Lederhosen attire is Andy Flint with his wife Julie Flint.
    Oktoberfest fundraiser draws a crowd

BY ROSE SGARLATO

SPARTA — Everyone was German for a day at the FOP’s Oktoberfest at Mohawk House.

Held on a rainy Oct. 3 and with more than 200 people in attendance, the fifth annual event raised money and awareness about the Fraternal Order of Police Spartan Lodge #26.

“The FOP gives money to all local youth athletics and also donates to local families in need,” said FOP President Officer Kurt Morris.

Steve and Rachel Scro, owners of Mohawk House, label their establishment as being “ the cornerstone “ of Sussex County. Their mantra is to represent the best of the areas natural resources: animals, farmers, organizations and people.

“The Oktoberfest is an event about having a nice time and serving relaxed German fare,” said Steve Scro. “The way we support our local farms is the same way we support law enforcement. This event ties into our philosophy of the community coming together and building good relationships.”

The feast of food prepared by Executive Chef Brian Saxton was sourced from local farms with accents of apple cider in the braised short ribs and pumpkin spaetzle with applekraut. Mohawk House features over 56 drafts on tap, and friends of the FOP got to sample a selection on Saturday.

Thanks to hurricane Joaquin sparing New Jersey, some Oktoberfest attendees enjoyed playing bocce and warming up by the fire pit in restaurant’s outdoor area.

Event coordinator Lt. Neil Spidaletto expressed his gratitude for the dry weather and the team effort.

“Thanks to the weather, a lot of people came out and had a great time. And Rachel and Steve and their staff at Mohawk House did an amazing job.”

Oktoberfest brings in an average of $5,000, which is one of the FOP smaller fundraisers, according to Officer Morris.

Final fundraising numbers were not tallied by press time. But in addition to the $50 per person happily handed over upon entry to the event, Eric Nielson, owner of Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, gave a notable donation of $2,000 to Lodge #26.