Maple leaves, bratwurst, accordion, dirndl, lederhosen, pretzels, and edelweiss. No, I did not make those words up. I am talking about things you could find at Oktoberfest USA in La Crosse, WI. This year is the 55th annual Oktoberfest USA running from October 1-4th, 2015. Let us give you a little history. The first Oktoberfest USA was on October 13th-15th, 1961. It all started because La Crosse hadn’t hosted a city event since 1921. City officials dabbled at the idea of a winter carnival like they had in the past, but they knew how unpredictable our winters were here in the Midwest, so that idea was nixed. At the La Crosse based brewery, G. Heileman Brewing Company, they had thought about having an annual promotional event. Two German employees of the brewing company suggested an autumn event for La Crosse, similar to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. The rest is history! Since those days, Oktoberfest USA has continuously grown year after year into the event it is today. They even have an Oktoberfest USA Medallion Hunt! Find this medallion within La Crosse, on public property, and wearing a 2015 Oktoberfest USA button while presenting it at the Oktoberfest USA office, and you win a prize of $500 cash and a miniature replica medallion. That $500 would surely buy you plenty of the beer that can be found at Oktoberfest USA.
Okay, so now you’re sold on attending Oktoberfest USA (good choice). Here are some basics for the first timers or veteran “festers”:
- 2015 Oktoberfest buttons are required for admission to Oktoberfest grounds. Buttons are $8 in advance, and $10 starting October 1st. The button gives you access to the grounds everyday, so you only need one. They can be bought at many local pubs, restaurants, etc. or at the Oktoberfest office.
- Oktoberfest is actually in two locations, Southside and Northside grounds. Southside grounds are on 2nd Street and La Crosse Street. This site has three music venues and a beer garden with food court area. Northside grounds are on Rose Street and Clinton Street. This site has one music venue, food vendors, and the carnival.
- All beer is sold on a ticket system, so they do not accept cash at the vendor sites, but do remember cash for tips! Beer tickets are $3.50 each and available for purchase at both grounds. Northside sells tickets for cash only; Southside accepts cash or credit cards to purchase tickets.
- Not of drinking age or abstain from alcohol? Soft drinks can be found at the “Brat Stand” at both grounds. There is a designated driver booth that gives your DD free soft drinks, as long as you register for the program.
- Bring an appetite! Food vendors are not listed yet, but any festival comes with delicious food offerings, that happen to be catered to the culture of Germany. And Oktoberfest USA is in Wisconsin, so needless to say there will be plenty of cheese too!
If you are wondering more about Oktoberfest USA, they do have a website, Twitter, and Facebook accounts or office you could contact. Keep a lookout for promotions on their social media accounts too!
Besides all those key points, the most important message Oktoberfest lists is to “have fun, stay safe, and stick with your friends, as we want you back next year.”  That comes from us here at Her Campus to you, too, Warriors. If you choose to attend Oktoberfest USA, please have fun, but also return to Winona safe and sound!
HCXO!