South Windsor's Irish Oktoberfest to be Sunday

October may be one of the most celebratory months and that’s true in South Windsor, too, where residents are once again invited to the annual Irish Oktoberfest.

The event, which features food, beer and a live Irish band, is held to fund the town's participation in the Hartford St. Patrick's Day Parade. It will be held Sunday, Oct. 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Maneeley's Lodge. Tickets are $25 per person, $10 for kids, including hamburgers, hot dogs or corned beef and beer.

“In the past we had a formal dinner, which was sort of stuffy,” explained Fire Chief Kevin Cooney. “So we changed it to this Oktoberfest. It’s mostly just fun — eating drinking and listening to Irish music.”

In addition, the evening is also an opportunity to honor two South Windsor community members of Irish heritage for their contributions.

This year, two men instrumental in making the event happen every year (but this year missed the meeting to select honorees) have been named.

Fire Chief Kevin Cooney, a lifelong South Windsor resident who joined the town's fire service at age 14 as an explorer, will serve as the town marshal. 

He first marched in the Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1979 and has not yet missed it. This upcoming parade will mark his 35th year marching, Cooney said.

Bruce Maneeley, Maneeley's Banquet and Catering, is the town honoree.

He began working in catering at 10 years old and eventually brought his business to South Windsor in 1998. Maneeley uses his business to support numerous charity organizations, including Special Olympics, We Are The Children and Breakfast with Santa.

According to information provided by the committee, "Those who know Bruce know they can count on him for a helping hand when food is needed for any last minute event. Bruce is a loyal and dedicated friend and business person."

“We chose them because they’re active in the community,” explained Margaret Shea. “Kevin’s been on our committee at least 15 years and Bruce is active every year in helping with the event through his facility.”

"The event's going to be a great. All are welcome. It’s a great function and it just gets bigger and bigger every year,” she said.

For tickets or information, visit www.SWIrish.org, email swindsorirish@gmail.com or call 860-982-9227.