Bakalars named 2024 Oktoberfest festival champion | News

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – Mike and Bethany Bakalars are the festival masters and festival women of the 2024 Oktoberfest.

The private unveiling ceremony took place Monday at the home of the late Gail Cleary.

Bakalars is president and CEO of Bakalars Sausage Company.

Bakalars, a native of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, graduated from St. Thomas Academy in 1982. He then attended the Citadel, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1986 before becoming a naval officer.

Bakalars moved to La Crosse in 1990 to work at Bakalars Sausage Co.

“Receiving the appointment of Festival Master and Festival Woman is an incredible honor and privilege and it was certainly unexpected, but to be able to represent our community as ambassadors, if you will, and share with others what a great community and a great The event that is Oktoberfest will be a…” “It will be a lot of fun,” said Mike.

He met his future wife, Bethany Godwin, an Onalaska High School and UWL graduate. They married in 1998 and bought the family business in 2003.

“It's something we've always enjoyed with our families and as a corporate sponsor, and just to be recognized like that and have so many people come and join us is really a wonderful thing,” Ms Bethany said. “We love this.” Community so much. The Coulee region is one of the best places. We are so happy that we can live here, raise a family and have a business here.”

They have two daughters, Allison and Emily, and a son, Samuel.

The couple is involved with La Crosse Mardi Gras, which supports Aquinas Catholic schools, and the Gateway Area Council Boy Scouts of America.

The honorary colors of Bakalars Festmaster buttons are black and gold to resemble the company logo.

The company produces the 80-pound brat that is part of the Oktoberfest celebration and tradition.

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