Advertisement
Oktoberfest held its Heritage Night, and visitors were able to enjoy hot dogs, roasted Bavarian almonds, German potato and cabbage salads, Hmong eggrolls, Irish stew, wild rice soup, apple wraps, chili and root beer floats.
The food and entertainment set a merry mood for those celebrating their German heritage while also embracing other cultures in La Crosse. Some comments from the event:
“It’s all about the food, the entertainment and the fun.”
— Sue Raymer, who along with Ellen Wehrs and Mark Carpenter, sold tickets for Heritage Night. The three work for Associated Bank, which sponsored the event.
“I think seeing the community turn out with big smiles on their faces is the best part of Heritage Night. They have high expectations of good food and great entertainment, and they don’t go away disappointed.”
— Patricia Boge, 1995 Mrs. Oktoberfest.
“We are a melting pot. We don’t want to abandon that. Our heritage is important, because it contributes to who we are.”
— Tom O’Brien, 2007 Irish Man of the Year.
“Heritage Night is so much fun because it’s a family night. You get to see so many people. It’s our heritage coming together to have fun. We’re all German for at least this one night.”
— Lynnetta Kopp, director of RSVP, La Crosse.
“To preserve our heritage is important. People have a lot of fun meeting other people.”
— Les Messerschmidt, La Crosse resident.
“I love to watch the show choirs. I also like the different acts. It keeps it interesting.”
— Katie Larson, Logan High School senior.
“Having grown up in a very strong German community, Oktoberfest is a real delight. It helps me to remember, reflect and re-live my own German heritage.”
— Ted Dewald, 2004 Oktoberfest Festmaster.
“I like all the singing.”
— Maggie Maxwell, a Viking Elementary School student whose dad, Dave, is a member of the Oktoberfest Singers.
Ryan Stotts can be reached at (608) 791-8446 or ryan.stotts@lee.net.
