Thursday, October 1, 2026
The St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus welcomed families from across the community to its annual Family BBQ on Aug. 2, filling the council hall on Hempstead Avenue with music, food and activities for all ages.
The summer gathering drew roughly 80 to 100 families, according to Donna Ferrara of the Knights of Columbus Events Team, who said the day was designed to give residents an opportunity to enjoy time together while celebrating the community that has long supported the organization.
“There’s so much good, fun stuff to say about the day,” Ferrara said. “All the fun, smiles, laughter and good times for the community was the reward for the volunteers of St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus.”
Music by DJ Lindell kept the festivities going throughout the afternoon, with children and adults taking to the dance floor for favorites including the “Cha Cha Slide” and the “Chicken Dance.”
Outside, families had plenty of entertainment to choose from. Children and adults climbed aboard a pirate ship ride, while face painting transformed guests with colorful and unique designs. Ferrara said the cheers and laughter coming from the activities helped capture the spirit of the gathering.
“Smiles were everywhere,” she said.
The Knights’ grill team kept hamburgers and hot dogs coming throughout the event, while ice cones offered guests a way to cool down during the summer afternoon. Local businesses also participated in the festivities, including D1 Training of Franklin Square, which introduced children to safe and playful fitness activities.
The barbecue is among a number of events organized by the St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus throughout the year. The Lynbrook council has been part of the community since 1921 and combines social gatherings with charitable fundraising and service projects.
Throughout the year, the organization raises money for a variety of causes, including Ronald McDonald House, the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and Honor Flight Long Island, among others.
Ferrara said the council’s free community events are also intended as a way for the Knights to give back to the residents and families who support its charitable efforts throughout the year.
“Our free community events are a way to celebrate and bring the community together as a thank you for helping make fundraisers always a success,” Ferrara said.
Beyond fundraising, events like the annual barbecue give longtime members a chance to reconnect while welcoming new families and introducing residents to the organization’s work in Lynbrook.
For the volunteers who spent the day grilling, organizing activities and helping families enjoy the festivities, Ferrara said seeing the community come together was its own reward.
The Knights will continue its community programming later this year. Its next free event, a children’s Christmas party, is scheduled for Dec. 13.
