I had the great pleasure to spend a week in La Crosse at the start of their big Oktoberfest celebration and visit many of the area’s clubs, which I will share in next month's District Governor article in the Dispatch. One of the highlights of the week was the FestMaster’s Ball, where I got to see the announcing of the 2025 FestMaster & Frau – Brent & Ellen Smith, tapping of the Golden Keg and most important was seeing Mrs. Oktoberfest, who is our very own Rotary Public Image Chair, Michelle Skemp! Congratulations!!
If you don’t already know, Oktoberfest, U.S.A. in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is far more than a simple beer festival; it is the longest-running community Oktoberfest celebration in the Midwest. Annually drawing crowds of up to 150,000 people, this four-day festival transforms the city into a celebration of German heritage, local tradition, and "Gemütlichkeit" (a German word for a feeling of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer).
A Local Tradition Born in 1961-
The roots of La Crosse's Oktoberfest trace back to 1961. Civic leaders, seeking a major community-wide event to replace a long-discontinued winter carnival, considered several ideas. The suggestion for an Oktoberfest, modeled after the famed Munich event, came from German employees at the local G. Heileman Brewing Company.
The idea was embraced because early October marked the end of the harvest season, providing an ideal time for the community to relax and give thanks. The first celebration in 1961 was a success, and the tradition has grown steadily over the decades, being trademarked as "Oktoberfest, USA" in 1963.
Main Events and Traditions-
The La Crosse Oktoberfest packs its four-day schedule with signature events that combine German culture with local flavor.
Tapping of the Golden Keg: The official opening ceremony, a highly anticipated event where the FestMaster taps the ceremonial keg to kick off the celebration.
Torchlight Parade: Held on Thursday evening, this illuminated parade brings sparkle and light to La Crosse's Northside, featuring bands and unique specialty units.
Maple Leaf Parade: A staple of the festival, this large Saturday morning parade is known for winding through the city's streets, celebrating the crisp autumn air and the turning of the Coulee Region's foliage.
Fest Grounds & Entertainment: The heart of the celebration, featuring music tents (Hofbräu Haus and Festplatz) with both traditional German polka bands and modern acts, serving German cuisine and, of course, beer.
Lederhosen Games & Carnival: Attendees can participate in traditional games like Stein Hoisting finals, or enjoy the carnival rides and food vendors at the Copeland Park grounds.
The celebration is presided over by an annually selected FestMaster and Royal Family, who embody the spirit of the event and its commitment to community. La Crosse's Oktoberfest not only provides a fun-filled festival experience but also cultivates a strong sense of community and generates significant tourism revenue for the city.
La Crosse and Oktoberfest are a true example of “people of action”!
Prost!
Vereinigt euch fu¨r das Gute,
(Unite for Good)