On October 10, the folks of College Point, Queens celebrated their fifth annual Oktoberfest at the Poppenhusen Institute. The event serves as a way for the community to come together and celebrate while raising money to support the Poppenhusen Institute’s future.

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. This is front of the Poppenhusen Institute, which held College Point’s Oktoberfest. This Victorian era building has been a cultural center of College Point since its creation. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

Longtime College Point resident Doris Scheer enjoys the festivities every year. She said that she loves seeing her old friends and meeting the newer members of the community.

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. A shot of the crowd at the Poppenhusen’s Oktoberfest. The PI brings together members of College Point’s aging community. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. An older couple dances to German music while most of the crowd eats. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

Though most couples remained in their seats, one couple decided to take to the stage and dance to the German folk songs played by Bud & Linda. Linda sang lead while Bud backed her up on keyboard and drum loops.

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. Bud and Linda playing German drinking and folk songs for the assembled crowd. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. The women’s stein lifting contest. The contestents elevated steins filled with water. When their elbows bent, they were out. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. The final two women in the stein lifting contest. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

As the festivities came to a close, Mikel Paris took to the stage. Paris visited the Poppenhusen Institute to write a song inspired by the historic building. Paris is traveling around the U.S. writing songs about often overlooked aspects of American history. Paris has named his adventure TuneTrek.

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. Mikel Paris, keyboard player for O.A.R. wrote a song for the Poppenhusen Institute for his travel series: TuneTrek. Here is seeing adjusting his sound before his performance. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. Mikel Paris performs. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

Susan Brustmann, the director of the Poppenhusen Institute, was happy to welcome Mikel to continue his TuneTrek series at the institute.

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. Mikel Paris continues. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. A shot of Mikel Paris performing through the sun. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School

According to Brustmann, this year’s Oktoberfest was a resounding success and the Poppenhusen Institute will continue next year with the sixth Oktoberfest.

College Point, NY. October 10, 2015. A group of College Point’s Freemasons who helped organize and run the Oktoberfest celebration. 10/102015. Photo by Shane English/CUNY Journalism School