Oktoberfest, USA is an annual celebration held in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States, usually on the final week of September and into the beginning of October.

During the fall of 1960, several officials of the La Crosse-based G. Heileman Brewing Company were also discussing an annual promotion.

News of these discussions spread through the firm, eventually reaching the malt house, where two of the employees of German origin suggested an autumn festival similar to the Oktoberfest held annually in Munich.

Petruccelli, Robert Mehren, Ross Hunt, Art Dugan, Harold Lee, Gerald Heberlein, D.D.

Dickson and Robert McCann, brainstormed ideas for the festival and came up with five objectives: The first Oktoberfest in La Crosse was held October 13–15, 1961 in a location between the post office and Mary E. Sawyer auditorium.

Among the festivities were farm fair events including cow chip throwing and greased pig contests.

[6] Other activities included soccer matches, scenic boat and bus trips, a youth tent, as well as square dances, German music, and a “Queen Pageant.”[7] In addition, a parade was held.

In 1965, the newly formed La Crosse Festivals, Inc., purchased the assets of Oktoberfest from the Chamber of Commerce and officially became the sponsoring organization.

[4] 1965: the North Side Fest Grounds were created at the intersection of Rose and Clinton Streets (in Copeland Park) to coincide with the Torchlight parade.

1984: a permanent shelter was constructed at Copeland Park to be used for protection during Oktoberfest and in winter as an ice rink with an accompanying warming house.

Originally, festgoers were able to enter the fest ground after purchasing an official Oktoberfest USA button.

In order to better keep track of the number of people entering the grounds, they developed a printed pass with a bar code that is scanned prior to entry.

Over time, additional festivities have been added to the celebrations including the traditional “Tapping of the Golden Keg” ceremony which officially begins Oktoberfest.

Today, the Festmaster is the head of the Oktoberfest Royal Family and ceremonially oversees all events and festivities.