Greetings from La Crosse, Wisconsin! As our leaves begin to turn toward their brilliant fall colors, we remember why our region of Wisconsin is truly “God’s Country”—the natural beauty at this time of year is truly awe-inspiring. In addition, excitement in La Crosse is building as we approach the start of our premier festival, OktoberfestUSA! Susie Schock, a member of the La Crosse-Bantry Friendship Association, as well as a member of the Grenadier Corp, writes this month’s article, volunteering with OktoberfestUSA for the past 18 years. Some of you may remember Susie and her husband, Arden; they visited Bantry back in April 2006, as part of the La Crosse Delegation. Enjoy! ~Dee

The first OktoberfestUSA™ was celebrated in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1961. It was patterned after the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Just like Munich, La Crosse is filled with ‘merry-making’ and a carnival atmosphere. Our first Oktoberfest helped La Crosse gain a prestigious “All American City Award.” The festival’s primary objectives were to promote local pride, to obtain national publicity, and to promote tourism. The first Oktoberfest made a reality of all three objectives, and the following 46 years have seen phenomenal growth. OktoberfestUSA™ is now a registered trademark with the United States Federal Government.

Oktoberfest is a delightful nine day festival for the citizens of La Crosse, and brings 150,000 additional people to town year, to share and enjoy the boundless activities. The fun begins with the gala opening day parade, tapping of the Golden Keg, and the stunning Festmaster’s Ball. The public nominates an exemplary citizen for the new Festmaster each year, along with a Mrs. Oktoberfest. A Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest is chosen in a pageant competition. This ‘royal family’ not only presides over the festivities, but also brings Oktoberfest to our schools and nursing home residents, with all the color and pageantry of the parade. We bring music, singing, and lots of lively polka dancing to our local shut-ins. The entire entourage is clad in lederhosen, colorful dirndls, and flowered head wreaths.

Oktoberfest is filled with a wide variety of music and merriment. We have German polka bands, country, rock, and blues bands, as well as uplifting spiritual hymns at our ecumenical service. We have a special evening called Heritage Night, where we celebrate La Crosse’s diverse cultural heritage, including our beloved Irish Culture. This year, the La Crosse-Bantry Friendship Association will be serving your own Bantry Bay Sea Food. We love your home-grown mussels!

Our Oktoberfest Royal Family and Grenadier Corp are active year round. We march in more than two dozen parades throughout the year, going as far as Winnipeg, Canada. One of our favorite parades is our local St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Yes, it’s held in March, but nonetheless, Santa is there, clad in what else??? A green Santa suit!

We invite you to visit us during OktoberfestUSA™ .We guarantee a GREAT time! This year’s fest runs from Sept 26 through October 4.

For more information about the La Crosse OktoberfestUSA™ and a complete schedule, see www.oktoberfestusa.com.

Respectfully, Susan K Schock