As many as 100 Piscataway Hill residents (but who’s counting) thronged to the annual Oktoberfest at Lot 39 Waterfront Park on October 20.

Especially noticeable this year were the large number of young families in attendance, perhaps eager to inaugurate the new playground equipment that had been assembled by community volunteers the previous weekend. The playground clearly met the approval of the kids, who spent hours sliding down the sliding board, swinging on the swings, climbing the climbing ramp, and crossing the suspension bridge.

Attendance was probably helped also by the perfect fall weather. People were able to relax at the picnic tables in the warm sun and enjoy the traditional Oktoberfest offerings of bratwurst, apple sauce, potato pancakes, and a large variety of desserts. There were so many revelers, in fact, that the beer ran out by mid-afternoon, for the first time in anyone’s memory. Luckily supplies were replenished by an emergency trip to a generous resident’s refrigerator, and the party continued without interruption.

The many residents who stayed to the end of the day were treated to a spectacular orange sunset over Piscataway Creek and then enjoyed a bonfire as dusk arrived.