APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - Thousands descended upon College Avenue in Appleton for the annual Octoberfest celebration.

It was marked by music, dancing, beer, and brats, but Appleton’s Octoberfest is more than just an event.

The sound of a toast signaled the start of a Fox Valley tradition that’s been pouring into Appleton for more than 40 years.

Drawing in more than 200,000 people to downtown, Octoberfest has generated over $40 million in economic impact, but it’s the nonprofits that benefit the most.

“So many events are out there trying to raise funds for various things. We want to raise funds for the people that make good use of them throughout the year in helping people in need and making this such a great place to live and work,” says Paul Schroed, the Octoberfest chair.

The Neenah L

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