Long Island Food Critic

OHEKA Castle hosted another of its grand Garden Parties on Wednesday, June 11, 2014. As with previous iterations of this storied gala that attendees have come to love, the theme was roaring twenties. This "Great Gatsby-Style Affair" is also a celebration of the Otto Kahn Awards Program, as well as the 30th anniversary of Gary Melius purchasing OHEKA.

OHEKA Castle is the second largest home built in the United States. It boasts an astounding 115,000 square feet and was built to be the highest point on Long Island. The name "OHEKA" was coined by the castle's original owner Otto HErman KAhn, who built OHEKA Castle about a century ago.

This year marked a milestone for the Otto Kahn Awards Program, which surpassed $100,000 in scholarships awarded to talented Huntington area high school seniors. Due to the enormity of last year's Garden Party, the OKA program was able to bestow seven $2,500 scholarships to some of the brightest young minds that Huntington has to offer.

The perfectly manicured Formal Gardens flourished with guests adorned in twenties-themed attire. Flapper dresses, feathered hair pieces, and gangster-inspired garments were among the many animated characters throughout. The Walt Whitman High School Orchestra supplied lovely background music as guests intermingled and enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres, wines and other libations.

Supper was then served as the Chamber Orchestra played melodic symphonies. After their last chord was struck, the program continued with the scholarship presentation to the seven Otto Kahn Award recipients. It was a night to showcase and celebrate these gifted students, pay tribute to the generosity and philanthropy of the Friends of OHEKA, and to commemorate Gary Melius, a true visionary whose unbridled passion brought life back to what is now one of Long Island's most recognizable landmarks.