The Oceanside community turned out in force on May 16 for the annual Kenneth J. Marino Scholarship Fund Craft Fair, filling Firemen’s Field with vendors, food trucks, live music, classic cars and activities for families while raising money for local student scholarships.
Hosted by the Oceanside Fire Department, the event featured local artisans and businesses, children’s activities, fire engine and hose displays, and performances throughout the day. Clear skies and warm temperatures helped draw large crowds to the longtime community tradition.
“We were very happy. The weather couldn’t have been better,” Oceanside Fire Chief Kevin Klein said. “It was just a wonderful event.”
The annual fair honors the memory of Kenneth J. Marino, a member of the Oceanside Fire Department and the FDNY who died responding to the terrorist attacks at the September 11 attacks. Marino also served with the Long Beach Fire Department and later volunteered in Monroe, New York, after moving there with his family.
Klein said the event has become one of the department’s most important efforts, raising money for scholarships awarded to graduating seniors at Oceanside High School. The scholarships include the Kenneth J. Marino Memorial Track Scholarship, as well as awards for children of fire department members and others connected to the fire service.
“This is really our biggest philanthropic thing that we do,” Klein said. “It’s all about giving back to the community and keeping Kenny’s memory alive.”
According to Klein, the fair has grown significantly over the years. Ex-Capt. Tina Rahn, chairperson of the scholarship committee, helped organize this year’s event and nearly doubled the number of vendors from the previous year.
“She absolutely put this thing on her back for six months leading up to it,” Klein said. “Without her, I don’t think the event would have happened, never mind been the success that it was.”
The Chiefs of the Oceanside Fire Department, commissioners of the Oceanside Fire District, department members and junior firefighters attended the event in support of the fundraiser. Marino’s mother also attended, continuing a tradition that Klein said means a great deal to the department.
“It’s special for her to see that the fire department still remembers him,” Klein said.
Klein added that community events like the craft fair help strengthen ties between residents and the fire department outside of emergency situations.
“We want the public to know that the fire department is part of the community and much more than just when you call us for an emergency,” he said.
Throughout the day, children explored fire apparatus displays, families visited food vendors and shoppers browsed handcrafted goods while classic cars lined the field. Klein said the strong turnout reflected Oceanside’s tradition of supporting neighbors and local causes.
“Oceanside always steps up,” he said.
