TRR photo by Mary Greene (Click for larger image)

By MARY GREENE

NARROWSBURG - Chilly temperatures and occasional rain did not deter crowds from this year's Oktoberfest celebration. A Lion's Club fundraiser, the festival was held indoors at Lander's Campground and drew German culture enthusiasts from as far away as Massachusetts and Staten Island.

"The event went very well," said organizer Ken Baim. "We were full but not overcrowded. For the facility we had, it was just about right."

Is there anything he would change next year?

"Order better weather," said Baim.

Eva Vandermark,dressed in native garb, traveled form Ellenville to dance the Ziltertuter Hockzeifs-Marsch (German wedding march) with husband Don. She said she immigrated to the U.S. at 29 and greatly enjoys the chance to re-visit the music and singing of her homeland.

Lively organ and accordion music was provided by Bobby Heckman and the Royal Bavarians. Organizations on hand to provide German-style sustenance included Buster's BBQ of White Lake, the Alpine of Honesdale, the Washington Lake Retreat and Resort and Sullivan West/Nar-rowsburg students who were selling hot food and snacks as fundraisers.

Craft vendors were on hand, as was the Kid's Craft corner, highlighted by the face-painting talents of Daniel Hopping of Narrowsburg. Pictured above are young bats Nicholas Arnold of Staten Island and Charley Arnold of Middletown, NJ.