Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 122 Union St., held a successful Oktoberfest grab- and-go dinner Oct. 17. Everyone was masked and worked to maintain social distancing.

Kim Smith, church secretary, and David Domin, an active church volunteer, were the leaders of a hardworking team that labored to prepare the food that made the event a success. Due to restrictions, there was no beer for sale or congregate gathering.

Originally planned to be a larger event that included beer and other refreshments, the fest had to be reduced because of the coronavirus restrictions.

The fest offered a menu featuring an excellent selection of homemade German foods, such as smoked sausage, bratwurst, German potato salad and spaetzle and cabbage, to name a few. Polka-style music was playing in the background.

Brandon Heimbach and Jason Halwick, both of Northampton, heard of the event and decided to attend but were a bit disappointed at the lack of beer at an Oktoberfest gathering. A number of other visitors echoed those sentiments, but all attendees seemed satisfied with the delicious food.

The First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association assisted with some financial support to help develop the fest.

The hope for next year is to have an Oktoberfest that will include a variety of German beers, more activities, live music and more.