In my family, Oktoberfest ranks right up there with Christmas and our summer vacation at the cabin. It is a tradition that includes food, family, and fall weather. In our town of La Crosse, Wisconsin, we share this tradition with thousands of others as the city gathers to celebrate its strong German heritage and also a sense of community. To quote its website, “Oktoberfest USA, through a network of volunteers, preserves, promotes, represents, and celebrates the values of our diverse heritage regionally, and internationally.” “Oktoberfest, USA, is one of the few authentic Old World folk festivals held annually in the United States.” Since 1961 this festival has been a highlight on many Midwesterners’ social calendars as it truly has something for everyone and every age. Read on to find out the specifics of this year’s festivities and discover how you can join in on the fun. I can guarantee you that my family and I will definitely be there polka dancing, drinking beer and eating bratwursts.
As I grew up, I enjoyed many different aspects of Oktoberfest, but one event has always remained the focal point. The Maple Leaf Parade is infamously long (usually 3+ hours) and we make it even longer by arriving at our selected spot several hours before it even starts. We like to get there early for many reasons, but a major reason is to cheer on the 5k and half marathoners finishing their races along the parade route. The other reason is to set up. Imagine tailgating for a parade. Food, drinks, bag chairs, food, drinks, music, food, drinks, playing catch on the parade route, food, drinks, porta potties… did I mention food and drinks? The parade consists of a plethora of music including several area high school bands, traditional German music, the Shriners and their steel drums or bag pipes and selections played by the local radio stations as their floats pass by. Area businesses and hopeful politicians, nonprofit organizations and churches, local college organizations and fire trucks, it seems that everyone in the area has a part in the parade. This year’s parade (boasting 151 entries!) is on Saturday, September 29, 2012 and begins at 10:00am.
The fairgrounds host a variety of events and as a college kid, this is where I spent most of my time. Listening to bands, hanging out in the beer tent and playing the ever favorite “hammerschlaagen” (a game that involves a log, hammer, a nail and a lot of beer) was where (at 21) my friends and I wanted to be. And we weren’t alone. The fest grounds will open at various times on Friday, September 28 and remain open until Saturday, October 6. Admission to the fairgrounds requires a button which can be purchased for $5 ahead of time or $8 at the gate.
Heritage Night, which takes place at the La Crosse Center will be on the evening of Wednesday, September 26. Heritage Night highlights the community through food, entertainment, and family camaraderie.” Area performance groups entertain the crowd as they consume traditional dishes from a variety of local heritages that remain strong in the coulee region, among them: German, Russian, Irish, Norwegian and Native American food. As a high school student I performed at Heritage Night with my show choir and remember the friendly rivalry we had with other show choirs… attempting to be the best group of the area. Definitely a fun night for music and food loving people!
Another fun event of Oktoberfest that offers fun for the whole family is the Torch Light Parade. This Northside after dark parade show cases many of the same groups and floats as the Maple Leaf Parade, but this time, colorfully lighted against the night skies for over 30,000 viewers. Once as a little girl, I viewed the parade from the back of my dad’s car as I had the important job of shinning the spotlight on his business’ float behind us. Whether in the parade or watching it, I have always found this event magical. This year the Torch Light Parade is on Thursday October 4 and begins at dusk.
Other events to take in throughout the festival include The Festmaster’s Ball, the Medallion Hunt, Sing and Swig Kareokee, The Ladies Luncheon, Craft Beer Tasting, Miss Oktoberfest Pageant, Carnival rides and game for kids and many other German Heritage inspired activities. The La Crosse Area is also home to the Mississippi River and surrounded by beautiful bluffs, and both host opportunities for relaxing and challenging walks and incredible scenery. Antique shops, salons, bars, restaurants, and specialty stores make up the historic downtown area. Whether in town for the fest or as a tourist, you won’t be short on things to do. So make the drive and join us for an incredible week of celebrations, and leave with amazing memories (and maybe a bit of a hangover).
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