LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) — Organizers expect thousands of people to gather at Riverside Park on Sept. 13 for Steppin’ Out in Pink La Crosse 2025, the 20th annual walk supporting breast cancer research..
The event begins at 7 a.m. with a vendor market and mobile mammogram unit at the park. A survivor social will be held from 7 to 8:30 a.m. across the street at 333 Front St. N. Survivors will then walk together to the park’s bandshell for an opening ceremony before the 2.5-mile walk kicks off at 9 a.m.
Enjoy live entertainment throughout the morning, including performances by Mollie B & Squeezebox, the UW–La Crosse Screaming Eagles Marching Band, and the Central High School Riverhawks Marching Band. Raffel winners will be announced at 11:45 a.m. at the bandshell.
Steppin’ Out in Pink was founded two decades ago by Patty Brown, who was receiving treatment for breast cancer when she proposed the idea to her friend Robyn Tanke at the Gundersen Medical Foundation. “The idea was more than a little crazy. It was a lot crazy,” Brown recalled. Despite her illness, she pushed forward with the plan, which has since grown into one of La Crosse’s signature community events.
Since 2022, Steppin’ Out in Pink has directed funds to the Kabara Cancer Research Institute Endowment Fund. Organizers say the research has the potential to influence breast cancer treatment locally and nationally.
Steppin’ Out in Pink is open to participants of all ages and abilities. More information is available at Steppin’ Out in Pink’s official website.
To learn more about upcoming events in the La Crosse area, peruse our Around River City events.
