LA CROSSE, Wis. (October 2025) – Oktoberfest USA donations reached $196,478 this year, supporting local veterans, schools, bands, and volunteer groups. The annual event continues to give back to the La Crosse community that makes it possible.
Each year, hundreds of volunteers and partners help make Oktoberfest one of the city’s most cherished traditions. From parade coordination and festival operations to music and community outreach, these groups bring the spirit of Gemütlichkeit, warmth, cheer, and friendship, to life.
“These donations are a direct reinvestment in the people and organizations that make Oktoberfest possible,” said Hannah Amundson, Executive Director of Oktoberfest USA. “The fest exists to bring people together and to give back to the community that makes the celebration possible. Each year’s event reflects La Crosse’s generosity and community spirit.”
In addition to these direct donations, Oktoberfest creates nearly $26 million in annual economic impact for the La Crosse area. This includes spending on local business activity and hospitality services. While those numbers show the fest’s economic value, the latest donations represent funds going straight back into community programs.
2025 Group Donation Recipients:
- 7 Rivers Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Altra Foundation
- Amanda’s Dance Academy
- Aquinas Dance Team
- Aquinas High School – Marching Blu-Golds
- Arcadia High School – Arcadia High School Marching Band
- Black River Falls High School – Marching Tigers
- Blue Stars Alumni & Friends Drum & Bugle Corps
- Caledonia Founder’s Days
- Caledonia Jr. Prom
- Caledonia Senior Party
- Caledonia Soccer
- Camp Decorah Ranger Crew
- Crucifixion School
- Dazzler Dance Team
- Emerson Elementary PTO
- Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School Red Hawk Band
- Hmong2Hmong
- Holmen Dance Team
- Holmen High School Marching Vikings
- Holmen Middle School Marching Band
- Holmen Peru Trip
- Holmen Show Choir
- Holy Trinity
- Hunger Task Force
- La Crescent High School Band Boosters
- La Crescent PTO
- La Crescent Rotary Club
- La Crescent-Hokah High School – Marching Lancer Band
- La Crescent-Hokah Middle School Marching Lancers
- La Crosse Area German Relations Association
- La Crosse Central High School – Central Riverhawk Marching Band
- La Crosse Mississippi Sisters
- La Crosse Show Choir
- La Crosse Show Choir
- Lancer Volleyball
- Logan High School Marching Band
- Longfellow Middle School – 8th Grade Marching Trojans
- Luther High School – Marching Knights
- Marine Credit Union Foundation
- Mary Mother of Church Men’s Club
- Melrose-Mindoro Mustang Marching Band
- North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association
- OHS Band Parent Support Group
- Onalaska Band Boosters
- Onalaska High School – Marching Hilltoppers
- Onalaska Show Choirs Parent Group
- Rotary After Hours
- Rotary Club of La Crosse
- River City Rough Riders Football
- RUSH WI West
- Seven Rivers Disc Golf Club
- Sparta High School – Sparta High School Marching Band
- Sparta Show Choir
- St Joe’s Lions
- Tabby Town
- Tri-State Toe Picks
- UW La Crosse – UWL Alumni Band
- UWL Best Buddies
- UWL Chemistry & Biochemistry Club
- UWL Marching Band
- UWL Psych Graduate Program
- UWL Screaming Eagles
- UWL Triathlon
- UWL Women’s Frisbee
- UWL Women’s Hockey Club
- UWL Wrestling
- Warriors Baton
- Warriors Performing Arts – Warriors Performing Arts
- West Salem High School – Marching Panthers
- West Salem Middle School Marching Panthers
- West Salem Parents Class of 2026
- Westby High School Marching Norse
- Winona Humane Society
Oktoberfest USA publicly thanked all the volunteers, Directors, staff, community partners, sponsors, Fest Family, and Grenadiers for their contribution to making the Festival successful.
