Onalaska seventh-grader is this year’s Oktoberfest special fester
Danielle Lass, a seventh-grader at Onalaska Middle School, has been named the 2019 Oktoberfest special fester.
Oktoberfest USA made the announcement Sunday at All Star Lanes in La Crosse.
Danielle, 12, is the daughter of Rob and Stephanie Lass and the youngest of four children. She enjoys concerts and listening to music, especially K-pop.
Danielle Lass, left, was named the 2019 special fester on Sunday. She is shown here with 2018 Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest, Elle Mark.
When she was 3 months old, Danielle was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by various medical issues and cognitive delays.
Now in its 13th year, the Special Fester designation recognizes those with special needs as a vital part of the La Crosse community. Nominees are submitted by members of the community and chosen by a committee.
As a member of the Oktoberfest Royal Family, the special fester acts as an ambassador for Oktoberfest USA and the city of La Crosse.
In addition to the Special Fester Ball, Mr. Ed’s Magical Midway will give free admission to rides as part of the Special Fester Carnival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, in Copeland Park.
For more information, contact Courtney Daniels at 608-784-3373 or courtney@oktoberfestusa.com.
Here are some of the highlights of this year’s festival, which runs Sept. 26-29 in La Crosse. For more information, click here.
Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest USA Scholarship Pageant, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Viterbo Fine Arts Center
Oktoberfest USA Medallion Hunt, begin Monday, Sept. 16
Parade Marshal Announcement, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, Copeland Park Events Center
Mrs. Oktoberfest Reception, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, The Bluffs, UW-L Student Union
Festmaster Ball, 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, La Crosse Center South Hall
Ed’s Carnival Rides, Thursday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 29, Northside Family Fest Grounds
Lederhosen Lunch, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, Downtown Festgrounds
Craft Beer Night, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, Downtown Festgrounds
Torchlight Parade, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, La Crosse’s North Side
Torchlight After Glow Bash, with music by The Swing Crew, 7 to 11 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26, Copeland Park Events Center
Tapping of the Golden Keg, 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, Downtown Festgrounds Garden Stage
Lederhosen Games, 2 to 4 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, Downtown Festgrounds
YMCA Maple Leaf Walk Run, 7 to 10 a.m.
Maple Leaf Parade, 10 a.m.
Barks and Brews, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29, Downtown Festgrounds
Kartenspiele, sheepshead and euchre card tournament, noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Downtown Fesgrounds
Jordenne Butler named Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest
