Oktoberfest called the best ever

Last Updated on Thursday, October 11, 2012 11:38 am Written by STEVE PRISAMENT Thursday, October 11, 2012 09:38 am

GALLOWAY – There have been some big days at Oktoberfest at Historic Smithville. Saturday, Oct. 6 may have been the biggest.

“At Smithville Inn and Fred and Ethel’s it was one of the best we’ve ever had,” said Tony Coppola Jr., vice president of Smithville Hospitality, which operates the two eateries. “The vendors I spoke to all said it was one of the best they ever had.”

With a dour weather forecast for Sunday, many people who would have attended the second day went on Saturday instead. And as a bonus, Sunday’s weather was OK – so while it was nothing like Saturday’s crowd, there was still a good attendance.

“Traffic was backed up to the parkway bridge,” Coppola said. “Thank God for the police directing traffic. Obviously there are delays, but we do the best we can to keep Route 9 moving.”

One of the people directing traffic Saturday was Galloway’s EMS Director Mike Brandenberger.

“What a great guy,” said Coppola, who is also the township’s deputy mayor. “He’s a doer, a giver. Most of what he does he volunteers his time for. And he never tells you ‘no.’ He finds ways to get things done.”

Coppola said Oktoberfest has gotten so big that this year Smithville had to turn some vendors away.

“In front of Smithville Inn we always reserve space for non-profits,” he said. “We’ve got Boy Scouts, canine rescues, Habitat for Humanity, the Marine Corps League and Rolling Thunder.”

Other non-profits manage the parking lots, accepting donations for their service.

The Fourth of July Parade runs the big parking lot directly across Moss Mill Road from Smithville.

Much of the day, people were met as they entered by parade committee President Rich Maxwell or Vice President Michael DiLullo.

Maxwell’s grandson Mason spent his birthday weekend finding spots and directing cars to them.

DiLullo said the Oktoberfest traffic was greater than he has ever seen.

“Usually with people leaving, you’re always able to keep the lot open and accommodate the cars,” he said. “Today (Saturday), we’ve had to close the lot several times because it was full.”

Coppola said the event has proven to be great for merchants and for the community.

“It’s a win-win-win,” he said. “I’m really proud of what it has become.”