Family Festival Kicks Off In Deer Park

The Knights of Columbus Family Festival in Deer Park is back.

The local tradition, which dates back about 40 years, not only provides a weekend of activities, but also benefits the community, said Nick LaSorsa, co-chair of the annual festival.

Set for the weekend of June 7-10, proceeds from the festival will go to organizations including Make-A-Wish, Boys & Girls Club and services for handicapped individuals.

“We build ramps, we support organizations that help handicapped,” LaSorsa said this week, as he and co-chair Carmine Saldano put the finishing touches on what is one of the signal events to mark the beginning of summer in Deer Park.

A celebration that used to be held on Memorial Day, the Knights of Columbus Family Festival is only one of many events put on by the group, but is among the most popular. Live bands, rides, games and entertainment, a gambling hall and food from the Café Columbus bring in the crowds each year.

“This is one of the first events of the season for Deer Park,” said LaSorsa. “And it’s fun!”

The festival is held at Our Lady of the Rosary Knights of Columbus Hall, 759 Long Island Avenue. Hours are Thursday 6:00 -10:00 pm, Friday 6:00 - 11:00 pm, Saturday 2:00-11:00 pm, Sunday 2:00 - 9:00 pm.

Pay one price unlimited ride pass. The pass is $15 on Thursday, $25 on Friday and Saturday and $20 on Sunday.

Cafe Columbus will be open all four days, featuring special homemade Pasta Fagioli, hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza and a large variety of many other homemade dishes.

Attendees will enhoy live music by Star Trooper, Dice, Tribute II and Sensitive to Light. DJ Entertainment by Tom "The Kid" O'Leary will also keep the beats going. 

On Sunday, the "Utterflux" prog rock band should go on at about 4 p.m. playing music by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Eddie Jobsons "UK," The Who, Queen, original songs and popular songs from the 1970's.

The grand finale show is "Rice Cultivation Society," set to go on at 6:30 p.m.

For further information call 631-595-2012.