New England
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October 23, 2024
Frohe Oktoberfest! Thomas Aquinas College, New England, took a break from studying Saturday evening and celebrated Oktoberfest with a lively farm party.
When they arrived at the homestead of Emily (Barry ’11) and Joe Sullivan (’09), Ex Libris Farm, students were more than happy to trade their books for a Bavarian atmosphere. As a continuation of a now-beloved Oktoberfest activity, the afternoon began with a wood-chopping contest — won by junior Thomas Langley (’26) — followed by a raucous wine-barrel relay race in which the tutors were declared victorious.
The highlight of the event, however, was the pig-catching competition! In the highly anticipated fundraiser organized by the campus pro-life group, contestants were given five minutes in a pen to pick up a pig for a chance to win a prize. There was a catch, however: the pig was lathered up in grease! Slippery, slapstick fun ensued as students raced around the pen after the oily, oinking pig. “We sure put the ‘fun’ in ‘fundraiser!’” laughed Bella Martinez (’26).
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A hearty dinner of potato salad, sauerkraut, pretzels, and bratwurst followed, the latter grilled up by Assistant Dean Dr. Stephen Shivone. “He’s the ultimate grillmaster,” said Matthew Santos (’26). Everyone gathered around a bonfire, talking and laughing as the sun set and the stars began to come out.
As the moon rose higher in the sky, Russell Jarvis (’25) led folk singing, accompanied by Will Rosa (’27) on banjo and Ben Conrad (’25) on guitar. The strains of familiar folk tunes floated through the air as everyone raised their voices in song. “I just love Oktoberfest,” sighed Madeline Rogers (’28) contentedly, as the celebration continued well into the night.
