Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Aid Station returns for Oktoberfest opening
The multi-use Third Street Aid Station will return to downtown La Crosse for Oktoberfest’s opening weekend after its successful debut last year.
The aid station moves this year to a construction trailer in the Subway parking lot at Third and Pearl streets, the “epicenter” of downtown La Crosse, said organizer Marc Fortney.
The facility is needed to fill a gap for the tens of thousands of people expected to flood downtown this weekend, said La Crosse police chief Ed Kondracki.
“The mission of the station is to create a friendly environment where professionals can assist others in need and help provide a safe and uneventful weekend in our community,” he said.
Fest-goers can use the station for first aid provided
by members of Tri-State Ambulance and the La Crosse Fire Department, as a meeting spot and a place to find directions or a ride.
Returning this year are telephones and a bank of chargers for dead cell phones — the station’s biggest draw last year. A large message board also will be available. Police will be on hand for reportable incidents, and the fire department will use the station as a command post.
The effort is a collaboration between city and county businesses and leaders. All services have been donated at no cost to the taxpayer.
The 40-by-16-foot trailer was donated by TCI Construction, while Subway provided its parking lot. Buzzard Billy’s will supply the station’s electricity.
The facility will be open from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with an adjustable closing time based on demand.
The station will return to the same location next year, Fortney said.
Operation: River Watch is supplying additional volunteers from the city’s three universities, Kondracki said. stepping up efforts this weekend,
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