Craft Beer Night At Oktoberfest Brings Community Of Brew Lovers Together

The craft beer industry has been booming for over a decade making up about 20 percent of the country’s beer sales according to The Brewers Association. That same group also says Wisconsin craft brewers rank 10th in the country for beer production – which may not come as a huge surprise being known as THEE beer and cheese state!

In 2008, right as craft beer took off, Oktoberfest was looking for an event that would appeal to a Thursday night crowd. This is when the first annual Craft Beer Night came to fruition and took place. Over the years, it’s gained in popularity and draws in about 600 attendees, becoming a signature event at Oktoberfest USA. It brings over 30 craft breweries together to share samples of the best beer they have to offer to a community of beer lovers who also get to know the brewers themselves. Find more event details here: Oktoberfest’s Craft Beer Night

Beer lovers receive a specialty souvenir glass provided by Inland, who also produces labels that go on many of the beers offered at Craft Beer Night.

In 2019, the Sam Adams VIP lounge was added for those who purchased a VIP admission ticket access to enjoy tables, chairs, TV to show the Thursday night football game, food (pizza provided by Big Al’s), water provided by Gillette Pepsi La Crosse, private bathrooms, easy access to all the beers, specialty beers from Sam Adams, giant Jenga, and bags.

 

The History & Role Of Our Oktoberfest Grenadiers

Our festive Grenadiers, also known officially as the Grenadier Corps are the most visible and spirited group of the Oktoberfest Royal Family. They consist of up to 25 married couples who escort the Royal Family to parades and events throughout the year. They are the bringers of fun, dancers to polka, clappers, and marchers of many parades. The Grenadier Corps was formed in 1971 with the primary purpose to enhance the pageantry and support the functions of Oktoberfest USA.

Pictured above are the Grenadier men with 1971 Mrs. Oktoberfest Betty Stoll, seated left, 1972 Festmaster Walt Hammond, and Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest Linda Deitte. Standing from left, back row: Burt Nelson, Mike Core (1972 General), Bob Burns, Clyde Benjamin, Jack Custer, Fritz Schubert, Al Poser, Karl Paasch, and Wally Lorenz. 

The need for the Grenadier Corps was first discussed by Jerry Miller, Bob Mullally; then President of the Oktoberfest Board of Directors; and Jack Custer on a train trip to the St. Paul Winter Carnival. They indicated it took so much time and effort to organize people, appearances at events and prepare the float for the many area parades during the summer. On April 21, 1971 , the proposed duties, organization, uniform, etc. for the group to be known as the Fesmasters’ Grenadiers were proposed and approved by the board. The name Grenadier first originated with the French army in the 1700s  and also among the British Grenadier Guards who help guard the Buckingham Palace in London.

Pictured above from left: Festmaster Bernie Degen, Grenadiers Art Fahey, John McConaughey, Mark Kerrigan, Pete Stinson, and Al Poser

The cold weather at St. Paul Winter Carnival doesn’t stop the Grenadiers from wearing their shorts. From left: Keith Ryan, Dan Gundlach, Artie Schock, and Robert Richardson. 

Each year, a Grenadier general is elected by members of the Grenadier Corps and can be identified by the gold chord on his uniform shoulder. Meet our current Grenadier Generals, Bill & Dani Baxter pictured below.

The Oktoberfest Grenadier Corps is always interested in fabulous couples to fill their roster by submitting an application found here. Couples must be married and willing to commit to at least three years. Their election to the Corps is then voted upon by the current members and then presented to the Board of Trustees for final acceptance. Approved couples are required to attend at least nine parades from a total schedule of 16-25 parades annually. The Grenadiers are incredibly generous volunteers of their time, effort, and money. They are involved not only with Oktoberfest events but also numerous community charities and causes.

The Grenadiers thrive on fun, family, and friendships and are always there to extend a helping hand where and when needed. The Grenadiers have an unwritten vow: “Once a Grenadier, always a Grenadier.” Below is the current roster that makes up Oktoberfest USA Grenadier Corps:

Adam & Stephanie Stevens
Bernie & Susan Lucey
Bill & Danielle Baxter
Brian & Karena Amundson
Chad & Angi Tamke
Christopher & Susan Hoghaug
Christopher & Stacie Stauffer
Dave & Laura Noelke
Eran and Alexis Marsh
James & Melissa Matile
James Richgels & Katie Wilhelm
Jed & Michelle Johnson
Jeff & Amanda Jackson
Jeff & Terri Hankey
Justin & Katie Drury
Marc & Kathy Snodgrass
Marty & Jane Frank
Matt & Jacqueline Hernandez
Reegan & Nick Jensen-Shafer
Tom & Denise Smith
Travis & Mandi Horstman
Vince & Kristie Ristow
Wade & Julie Rudloph

Mrs. Oktoberfest, Darryle Clott’s Letter To The Editor On How Oktoberfest Makes Our Community Stronger

Our beloved 2019 Mrs. Oktoberfest, Darryle Clott shares her letter to the editor of the La Crosse Tribune on how Oktoberfest makes our community stronger. And with this week being what would have been the week of Oktoberfest, we thought this would be a perfect time to share this and how Fest touches so many lives and hearts within our incredible La Crosse community.

“I have loved Oktoberfest since coming to La Crosse State, now UW-L, as a freshman in 1962 when Oktoberfest was only two years old, and I have experienced 57 of 59 fests. I have enjoyed them as a college student marching in the Maple leaf Parade with the Marching Chiefs as a pom pon girl and enjoying visits to the fest grounds and the beer tents.

As I outgrew my college fun fest times, I became a parade spectator and enjoyed the camaraderie of locals and having family and friends flock to La Crosse for the fest with only an occasional visit to the tents. When I became a young mother, my interests switched to taking Hans and Aimee to the carnival to enjoy the rides and watch the parades. I had a three-year stint as a grenadier and really began to see the work of hundreds of volunteers behind the scenes. Throughout the years as my interests changed, I found there is something for people of all ages and interests to enjoy at the fest.

Ten years ago, I returned to the Maple leaf parade with the Alumni Pom Pons marching with the UW-L Alumni Band. Every time I marched down the parade route, I felt like I was 20 years old again. It was a family affair as my husband Marv was a Pom Daddy marching alongside the poms in case any frisky festgoers caused problems which, by the way, they never did.

Flash forward to the present. I now have the honor of being Mrs. Oktoberfest 2019 helping our community to celebrate “Fest with das Beste”. All those years ago when I was a grenadier, I was in awe of the Royal Fest Families, never daring to dream that one day I would be part of one. Throughout the short time since becoming Mrs. O, it is impossible to truly put into words the respect I have for the thousands of unpaid volunteers it takes to plan and orchestrate Oktoberfest. It is over in a week, but it takes a year of preparation and tens of thousands of hours.

Our Royal Family consists of festmaster Terry Cowgill and frau Shelly, my husband and me Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest, Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest Jordenne Butler, our Special Fester Danielle Lass, Torchlight Parade Marshall Scott Skogan and his wife Debby and Maple leaf Parade Marshal Joe Heim and his wife Pat. Twenty-three grenadier couples, led by Generals Justin and Katie Drury, escort the royal family to all fest events and to the 22 parades and other occasions they attend throughout the year. They are excellent ambassadors for our community and the only payment grenadiers receive is gratitude from the Royal Family.

The grenadiers and the Royal Family are the people the public sees. Unseen are those who work behind the scenes to make the fest run seamlessly. Seven hundred volunteers from 80 non-profit volunteer organizations get paid to work at the fest, and $84,451.00 was given to these organization by the fest last week. These non-profits re-invest their share in charities in the community. A Board of Directors, Trustees made up of past festmasters, the past Mrs. Oktoberfests and the past parade marshals all work tirelessly to continue the proud traditions that began in 1960.

Fest has a significant positive impact on our community with an influx of approximately 50,000 visitors. Riding the Royal Family Float surrounded by singing, dancing grenadiers interacting with children along the route at the Torchlight Parade was pure magic. Riding the float in the Maple Leaf Parade with 100,000 people in attendance was a mountain-top experience.

Often all the public hears about are stories about beer drinking, and granted that takes place, but that is a minor part of the fest. For example, during fest week our Royal Family took part in two activities most people do not even know about. We went to the La Crosse Public Library to award prizes for the Photo Contest. I was amazed at the quality of photos submitted by people from teens to elders in their 80’s. We went back to the library a different day to judge the needlework contest. Again, the contest is entered by people of all ages. I could not believe the works of art that residents spend untold hours creating, and I came away with a whole new respect for those artists.

The Royal Family had a splendid time during fest week as we spent anywhere from eight to ten hours a day attending a myriad of functions. An especially heartwarming visit was made to the Northside Carnival which that afternoon was reserved for children with special needs. As great as fest week was, by far the greatest part of the fest happened the following week when we visited schools and rest homes. This was truly “the giving back” part for us. Seeing the excitement by students when our polka band, for the past 26 years led by Crazy George, leads us out onto the floor is something I wish everyone could experience.

As wonderful as those visits were, the best of all takes place at rest homes where we take the fest to those who can no longer attend but have vivid memories of festing when they were young. We heard stories from residents about how they wait all year for the visit by the Royal Family. Once our polka band strikes up, we engage the residents in dances, wheelchairs and all. Seeing faces lit with joy is our reward. We always paid a special salute to veterans present and there were tears all around.

George Bernard Shaw in his book Man and Superman wrote these words which I love and strongly relate to, “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.”

I hope to use Shaw’s words this coming year as I serve as a representative for the La Crosse area and the Oktoberfest Royal Family in my role as Mrs. Oktoberfest.”

Darryle Clott

How Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest Became An Area Ambassador

The belle of the ball, Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest is a role model, an ambassador, and public representative for the La Crosse community and our Oktoberfest Royal Family in the Miss Wisconsin and Miss America organization. She is confident, poised, talented, intelligent, an activist on issues, an eloquent communicator and takes personal pride in physical fitness.

In 1961, Marlene Schultz (pictured above) was crowned the first Miss Oktoberfest, but halfway through the year, she got married and Diane Morgan stepped in and finished out the year as Miss Oktoberfest. In 1962, Bob Larson; the first pageant director; planned a Friday night program at the Mary E. Sawyer Auditorium that drew in a huge crowd. 29 women competed in the pageant and were judged based on these categories: informal dress, evening gown, Oktoberfest costume, and oral competition.

Pictured above is an overhead view from the Mary E. Sawyer Auditorium showing a candidate in front of the orchestra, judges, and audience.

Over the years, this pageant became known as the Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest Scholarship Program, an official preliminary to both the Miss Wisconsin and Miss America Organizations. Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest Scholarship Program awards thousands of dollars in cash and in-kind scholarships plus many gifts and benefits every year. Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest also travels to many festivals and appearances each year with the Oktoberfest Royal Family.

Pictured above in 1994 from left, Pam Hagen, Katherine Theisen, Abigail Meisch, Jeanie Hankey, Jaine Jessesski, Kristina Kruse, and Krista Clements.

Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest’s Marilyn Brahmsteadt (1967), Gail Soller (1981), Barabra Mullally (1983), Kristina Smaby (2006), and Kate Gorman (2011) have all become Miss Wisconsin during their reign. Kristina Smaby was also awarded over $30,000 in scholarships and headed West to compete at Miss America in 2010.

Pictured above from left, Jim Garvalia (1968 Fest president), Joan Mary Engh Gillete (1962 Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest and first runner-up in Miss Ameria pageant), Marilyn Brahmsteadt (1962 Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest and Miss Wisconsin), and Jack Martin (1967 Festmaster).

In order to be eligible to become Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest, you must:

• be a young woman between the ages of 17 – 25
• be 18 years of age by July 31st of Miss Wisconsin competition and no older than 25 by December 31st of Miss America competition
• be a high school graduate at the time of the Miss Wisconsin competition
• live, work, or go to school in La Crosse County
• never have been married or pregnant

Pictured above are Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest contestants in 2004 from front row left, Amber Brand, Beth Bruzek, Kristina Gross, and Katie Rick. Back row from left, Erin Peterson, Lauren Buelow, Katie Ekern, Ashley Salzmann, Maggie Lee, Rachel Collins, and Trisha Zweig.

Meet our 2021 Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest here, Maddie Adickes (pictured above) and see the full list of former titleholders.

5 Oktoberfest Hairstyles For Women

Keeping in the spirit of Fest, whether it is that special time of year you’re looking for a pretty updo to complement your Oktoberfest dirndl or you are just looking for a unique Bavarian hairstyle to wear for something a little different, we’ve got you covered. From half-up, half-down, to side buns and beautiful braids, here are 5 Oktoberfest hairstyles for your daily inspo.

1. Double French Braid Crown

2. Pull-Through Braid

or half-up/half-down 

3. Fishtail Braid

4. Double Dutch Braids For Short Hair

5. Side Bun Braid

See the full Oktoberfest dirndl outfit here, its accessories, and the history of how it came to be an Oktoberfest tradition for women.

The Traditional Oktoberfest Song Playlist

While the decades have changed since our beginning, the traditional Oktoberfest songs remain the same. From our favorite German drinking song to a diddy written JUST for our beautiful fest—with our handy song playlist below, you won’t miss an “Ein!” or a “Drei!”

EIN PROSIT!
Ein prosit
Ein prosit
Der Gemutlichkeit
Ein prosit, Ein prosit
Der Gemiitlichkeit
Ein! Zwei! Drei!
…Prost!

 

EDELWEISS
Edelweiss, Edelweiss, ev’ry morning
You greet me
Small and white, clean and bright
You look happy to meet me
Blossom of snow, may you bloom and grow
Blossom and grow forever
Edelweiss, Edelweiss
Bless my homeland forever

OKTOBERFEST IN LA CROSSE
Oktoberfest in La Crosse
What a wonderful time of the year
Oktoberfest in La Crosse, friendship, gemutlichkeit, and cheer
Oktoberfest in La Crosse
Ein Prosit, to everyone here
Oktoberfest in La Crosse
We do it with love each year

SUCH A HAPPY DAY
Been looking at the sky, for a little while watching the clouds roll by
And I start to smile and as a plane flies past, I give a friendly wave hello
And then I think about you
What a happy day

And I fly, fly, fly, like a pilot
I’m as strong, strong, strong as a lion
I’m as high, high, high as a mountain
In the sky -ay, ay, ay

And I jump, jump, jump like a kangaroo
I swim, swim, swim to be close to you
I shake, shake, shake you by the band
We’ll be friends till the end

This is such a happy day
Sha la la la la
This is such a happy day
Sha la la la la
Hey what a happy day
Sha la la la la
This is such a happy day
Sha la la la la

REPEATED 3 TIMES

This is such a happy day
Sha la la la la
This is such a happy day

Find our downloadable lyrics of Oktoberfest songs here.

The Role Of The Royal Family’s Mrs. Oktoberfest

Mrs. Oktoberfest is the pillar of our community and to our hearts. The role of Mrs. Oktoberfest was first established in 1968 to complement Oktoberfest’s new “Family Fest” image. Jim Garvalia, President of the Board of Directors was asked by his wife Maxine, “How can you call it a “Family Fest” if there is no Mrs. Oktoberfest?” That question led to the addition of the new role to Oktoberfest’s Royal Family.

Pictured above is the very first Mrs. Oktoberfest, Joyce Lindseth passing off the jeweled Mrs. tiara to her successor, Leisel Peterslie in 1969. 

Pictured above is a past Mrs. Oktoberfest float in the 1975 Maple Leaf Parade.

The requirements for a nominee should be a person who is:

• Actively involved in the La Crosse Community
• Married
• At least 50 years old
• Living within 20 miles of La Crosse
• Able to devote her time to numerous Oktoberfest activities throughout the upcoming year
• A La Crosse and Oktoberfest enthusiast
• Aware that you are nominating them to be Mrs. Oktoberfest

Prior to 1974, a tea was always set up to meet all the nominees and inform them of their duties and responsibilities of the role. Publicity photos were taken and interviews were conducted of all nominees by a panel of judges. Later, all would appear on stage at the Mary E. Sawyer Auditorium where a Mrs. Congenality, first runner-up, and the new Mrs. Oktoberfest were introduced.

Pictured above attending the Mrs. Oktoberfest luncheon in 1972 from left, Ruth Ellen Bryham, Inez DePaolo, Anna Mae Kenyon, Irene Lynch, Mrs. Oktoberfest 1971 Betty Stoll, Bernice Delius, Alice Jean Herold, and Janet Jansky. The photo appeared in the La Crosse Tribune, October 3, 1972.

Pictured above is Mrs. Oktoberfest 1971 riding with other nominees of the competition. 

The process for selecting the new Mrs. Oktoberfest has since changed to provide the community with a greater role in providing nominations. The nomination form can be found on our Oktoberfest website for Mrs. Oktoberfest and must be submitted by April 1st. Nominees are sent to all of Mrs. Oktoberfests and then narrowed down to a ballot of 5 nominees to be voted on again by all of the Mrs. Oktoberfests. The final votes are counted and the results will only be known by the two mentoring Mrs. Oktoberfests in a private meeting. The two mentors are:

1. Chair: the person who served as the Mrs. Oktoberfest three years prior to the one to be selected;
2. Second mentor: the person who served as the Mrs. Oktoberfest two years prior to the one selected

The mentors carry out the process of orientating the new Mrs. Oktoberfest and their husband about their roles as Fest royalty. The new Mrs. Oktoberfest is announced the week of Fest at the Mrs. Oktoberfest reception held at the UW-Lacrosse Student Union.

Photos above taken from 2019’s reception introducing the new Mrs. Oktoberfest, Darryle Clott (Husband aka Mr. O – Marv). 

Since a Festmaster’s wife is called ” Frau,” it became apparent that Mrs. Oktoberfest’s husband should also have a title. He became known as “Mr. O.” Every woman cherishes being selected for this community honor and the close circle of friends made within the group.

Photo above was taken prior to the Mrs. Oktoberfest reception Wednesday, September 28, 2009. See the full list of past Mrs. Oktoberfests here and to get to know our 2019 Mrs. Oktoberfest, Darryle Clott. (Pictured below with Mr. O, Marv Clott)

The Meaning Behind Which Side To Tie The Dirndl On

For ladies attending Oktoberfest in La Crosse, the dirndl costume is the traditional and trendy fashion of choice. It represents the appreciation and celebration of the Bavarian culture. But be careful which side you tie your dirndl on as this tells men about your relationship status! Part of the dirndl is the apron tied around a woman’s waist in a bow or knot. The placement of your dirndl’s apron waist bow or knot in particular has a significant meaning. It’s an easy way to know whether the woman is single and ready to mingle, in a relationship, married, or even widowed.

Tied on the Left
If the knot of the apron is tied in the front, towards the left side, it means that a woman is single.

Tied on the Right
However, if the knot of the apron is tied to the right side, it means that the woman is either married or in a relationship.

Tied in the Middle
Their relationship status is none of your business.

Tied on the Back in Center
The knot tied in the center on the back of the apron is for widows, waitresses, or children.

The Story Of Oktoberfest’s Traditional Lederhosen

When you think Oktoberfest, you may envision beer and pretzels, but most of all, the traditional fashion of the men’s lederhosen. Lederhosen are short or knee-length breeches made of leather. Traditional lederhosen are hand made of tanned deer leather which makes the pants soft and light but very tearproof. All variations usually consist of two side pockets, one hip pocket, one knife pocket, and a codpiece (drop front). An Oktoberfest lederhosen costume consists of the following:

• Leather trousers in brown, dark green or black leather breeches, commonly short or knee-length but also as long ones called Bundhosen or Kniebundhosen, braided or embroidered
• Suspenders in “V” or “H” style
• White or light checkered shirt, usually in red, blue or green
• Socks, usually in cream, grey or hunter green in knee-length, ankle-length or Loferl-style
• Shoes “Haferlschuh” or “Haferl” in black or brown

Formerly, lederhosen were worn for pheasant work among men of the Alpine and surrounding regions, including Bavaria, Austria, the Allgäu, Switzerland, the autonomous Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol (formerly part of Austria-Hungary) and Alpine area of today’s Slovenia.

La Couturière Parisienne, however, claims that lederhosen was originally not exclusively a Bavarian garment but was worn all over Europe, especially by riders, hunters, and other people involved in outdoor activities. The flap (drop front) may have been a unique Bavarian invention. The drop-front style became so popular in the 18th century that it was known in France as à la bavaroise, “in the Bavarian style.”

The popularity of lederhosen in Bavaria dropped sharply in the 19th century. They began to be considered as uncultured peasants’ clothing that was not fitting for modern city-dwellers. However, in the 1880s a resurgence set in, and several clubs were founded in Munich and other large cities devoted to preserving Bavarian culture with the lederhosen fashion. King Ludwig II was also a great fan of traditional costumes. His acceptance of lederhosen made it so popular that today Oktoberfest is not complete without it. Oktoberfest lederhosen represents the continued celebration, preservation, and pride of the Bavarian culture.

 

The History Of The Honorable Festmaster

The selection and history of Oktoberfest’s Festmaster is one of the oldest and most cherished Fest traditions. The selection process and naming of the new Festmaster is very secret and the mystery only adds to the fun!

The Festmaster heads the Oktoberfest Royal Family and is chosen annually by the Board of Trustees. Once selected, the Board of Trustees Chairman, along with the past year’s Festmaster, mentors the new Festmaster, bringing him up to speed on his duties, expectations, and appearances. The new Festmaster & Frau are announced at the Festmaster’s Ball, held yearly in September.

1962 Festmaster Don Rice pictured above

The first Festmaster was Don Rice in 1962 at the second Oktoberfest. The first four festmasters were chosen by Bob Abbott, president of the board of directors of Oktoberfest. Bob Abbott chose these members that were part of a golfing foursome; Don Rice, Ray Ping, Roy Kumm & John Coleman; who had first proposed the idea of a festival to lift the spirits of La Crosse residents during a time when so many had lost their manufacturing jobs.

1964 Festmaster Roy Kumm with his granddaughters, Kristine, left, and Sandra, right, pictured above

In 1968 when Oktoberfest left the Chamber of Commerce and incorporated into its own La Crosse Festivals, the public was encouraged to submit nominations for Festmaster. Professional success, community volunteer involvement, personal ethics, family, age, and the availability to meet the year-long obligations of the honor were qualities needed. All entries are then reviewed and voted on by the Board of Trustees, who consist of all the former festmasters.

1965 Festmaster John Coleman pictured above

1970 Festmaster Cully Prinz and his wife Stubby in the Maple Leaf Parade

The search and nominations for the new Festmaster begin shortly after Oktoberfest is over. Entries must be submitted by January, at which point, a three-month selection process begins. The list is narrowed to 10 and then to 5. The final five are listed in order of preference by each trustee and ballots are sent to the current trustee president. He and the immediate past Festmaster open and count the votes. They are the only two who know the identity of the newly chosen man whose code name is “Herman.” Herman is contacted in late March to accept this honor.

The Festmasters in 2009 pictured above

To be chosen as Festmaster is considered to be one of the highest honors for any man in the La Crosse area. The new Festmaster & his wife known as the Frau, are announced in September at the Festmaster’s Ball, the most regal and special evening in La Crosse with over 1,000 attendees who dress in their festive suits and gowns. This event is open to the public with advanced reservations. Meet Terry & Michelle Cowgill, (pictured below) our 2019 Oktoberfest Festmaster & Frau here.

The Fraus in 2009 pictured above