It was finally that time of year when the leaves start falling and the booths start filling up with Longwood organizations, selling handmade trinkets, food, t-shirts, paintings, food and much more. It's the time when Mortar Board works closely with Longwood’s Student Engagement to put on the annual Oktoberfest.
However, Oct. 21 kicked off the event with the annual Color Wars, which is where Longwood students fill Iler field in a white out. Each student brings buckets, cups and pitchers full of paint waiting to be slung at the opposing team. There were two different teams, the red team, which is made up of the freshmen and junior class, and the green team, which is made up of the sophomore and senior class. It was announced at the end of the paint extravaganza that the green team won this years color wars.
Then on Oct. 22, the festivities began. Booths were lined up all through Stubbs Mall as well as concerts playing throughout the day. The booths were made up of Longwood organizations like Lancer Productions, Mortar Board, Longwood College of Republicans, Longwood College of Democrats, Longwood Swim Club, Longwood Club basketball, Mortar Board, most greek life on campus and many more.
Most of the booths were decked out in the, “Out of this world” theme and had banners that ranged to ScFi themes such as Star Wars. Banners were tie dyed to look like a galaxy, as well as many galaxy themed banners.
Traditionally, each booth has an activity to promote their organization or handmade trinkets that they sell at a reasonable cost. Some of the activities ranged from throwing a pie in a student's face who wore a Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump mask. Some trinkets were mason jars and vases which were decked out in the galaxy pattern, painted wine glasses, bracelets, t-shirts, decorative buttons as well as food for sale such as galaxy bark (chocolate that is dyed with food coloring topped with sprinkles), cookies, hamburgers, cotton candy and fried Oreos.
There was also the annual Klown and Spirit Leader parade, recognizing those who put in countless hours to make this event happen.
Adam Franssen, honorary spirit leader and a judge of Color Wars and the booths said, "This years’ Oktoberfest was very exciting. It was my first time watching color wars.”
With that being said, the winner of this years Oktoberfest booth was the brotherhood, Alpha Phi Omega (APO).
The interactive booths lasted until 6 p.m, right around the time the headliner bands began. This year it was Chingy, The Last Bison and the Maine.
Longwood student Kaitlyn Meyers said, “Oktoberfest was pretty fun.”
This is Meyer’s third Oktoberfest and she likes the booths because she can buy, “cheap t-shirts.”
The Rotunda's booth at Oktoberfest 2016. One of many booths for student organizations.
Booths at Oktoberfest 2016
Someone takes a picture of a band performing at Oktoberfest 2016.
