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Making the most of the fall foliage, Members of the New England Senior Class recently hosted the third annual Oktoberfest to raise money for their class gift to the College. Graduates Emily (Barry ’11) and Joe Sullivan (’09) graciously offered their barn and field as the event’s setting, and the seniors did their best to stage a spectacular fall festival. Lights hung from the trees, hay bales provided seating, and guests feasted on warm, homemade pretzels.

The event kicked off with live music from Grace Miller (’24), Lucas Porto (’25), Alexei Forrester (’25), and Thaddeus Gotcher (’25) playing Irish reels in the barn. Then senior Paul Dinan (’23) led various games on the field, including three-legged races, potato-sack races, and a hay-bale stacking competition, as well as volleyball, cornhole, and frisbee. Faculty children raced around from game to game, jumping in the inflatable bounce house and getting their faces painted in between contests.

The seniors served dinner at 5:00, and all gathered at tables to feast on bratwurst, pretzel rolls, and potato salad. Then it was time for the annual log-splitting contest! Students challenged each other to see who could split logs into quarters the fastest. The audience cheered for every competitor, going wild for the winner of each round. Amidst the frenzy, chocolate and vanilla ice cream were on offer for dessert.

As the sun set, the campus pro-life group held a cake walk, organized by Maggie Huckins (’23). Meanwhile, guests enjoyed more live music and perused items for the silent auction, such as a camping basket, artwork by students and faculty, and a dinner for four with Dr. Stephen Shivone.

As the temperature dropped, the group flocked to a bonfire, and the event drew to a close. “It was a really wonderful day,” reflected Thomas Aldredge (’23). “We’re glad to see so many people come out and support the Senior Class.”