The Traubenfest is traditionally hosted on the First Sunday in October. For 2009 that meant we had awesome picnic weather.

For me it was the first time to be at the Traubenfest, so there were many first impressions.

As our Master, W.: John Boyen and I get to Tappan, Brother Mike is already waiting at our booth, all eager to start up some Bacon for Breakfast. A Fantastic Idea. As Mike starts his breakfast preparations more Brothers and their Ladies arrive and we start getting ready for the Day.

Every Lodge offers different Food and Beverages, ranging from Beer, Wine and Soda to Hot Dogs, grilled Leberkase, Hamburgers, Pizza, Bratwurst, Sausage and Peppers, Tenderlojn and Sauerbraten Dinners, Pizza and... Potato Pancakes - those had great popularity and were offered on two booth's at opposite sides of our Picnic Grounds.

At the Hall in the Center of the Grounds played a Band Traditional German Oktoberefest Music. MAny Vendors were set up, offering a variety of Goods.

To ensure a safe environment, the Past Masters were selling "Script" to be used for any purchases, from food to beverages and goods from Vendors. A great Idea, especially since we no longer needed to worry about having small Bills to give out change. Script came in One's and Half's.

More than 1600 Visitors were registered at the Gate and everyone was mighty busy. Just halfway through the Day many Booth's started to run low or out of food. At least our Beer Supplier brought plenty Kegs of Spaten Beer - the main ingredient in any Octoberfest style event.

The Traubenfest is hosted annually by the Noble 9th to support the residents in the Nursing Home in Dumont, New Rochelle, owned and operated by the 9th Manhattan Masonic District. The only other Nursing Home owned and operated by Masons in the State of New York is the Masonic Care Community in Utica, which is operated by the Grand Lodge of F&AM of New York State. 

While I was really busy pooring beer and Soda, it seemed to have been a really busy day for everyone. People were having a great time. All things considered, the 2009 Traubenfest was a full success. I am looking forward to come back for it in 2010. In the meantime, there will be more Charitable Events to Host and Attend. We are looking forward to a busy Masonic year.

~ Philipp Merker