Your Option for Enjoying German Culture in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Oktoberfest, USA,

It's the time of year to begin making plans to celebrate Oktoberfest and perhaps you should consider forgoing the festival in Germany and head to LaCrosse, Wisconsin instead!

The German celebration of Oktoberfest is world-renowned. Over six million people attend Munich for this world's largest fair. The festival itself takes place over the course of sixteen days, wrapping up on the first Sunday in October.

Oktoberfest is centered on the rich Bavarian tradition and, as most people are well aware, beer drinking. If you live in the mid-Western United States and these appeal to you, but find the cost of going to Germany to be a major deterrent, fear not! Simply head to LaCrosse, Wisconsin and participate in Oktoberfest, USA.

Oktoberfest, USA is a week shorter than the Munich festival, but still runs an ample nine days. The festival begins on September 25th and runs through October 3rd this year (2009). This festival is community-supported and there are many local organizations which help contribute.

The LaCrosse festival kicks off on Friday, September 25th with a parade at 10:15 a.m. (Central Time Zone). After this, Opening Day ceremonies commence at 11 a.m. and the 2009 Oktoberfest will be underway!

During the nine day celebration, festival-goers will face a variety of options with regard to food, entertainment, and, of course, beer. The music is not exclusively German, so if this might have been a concern, do not worry about having to listen solely to polka!

Bands on the festival grounds will be performing: classic rock, blues, easy listening, and an assortment of other musical varieties. If you are a polka fan, though, do not fret, as you will be able to find German polka tunes right up your alley!

As for food options, the festival grounds contain an assortment of booths. German fare, naturally, is offered and, since you'll be in Wisconsin, it would be a shame to miss out on enjoying bratwurst! If you are over 21 years old, consider heading down to the beer tent and washing it down with some brew. Keep in mind that minors are not allowed in the tent, though.

With regard to admission for the festival, 2009 Oktoberfest buttons may be purchased Pre-Fest for $5 or during the Fest for $7. Additionally, a limited edition 2009 Button Hat will also grant you access into the grounds. The hat is available for $20 and a separate purchase of an actual button is not additionally needed. Children 12 & under are free!

The festival has a complimentary shuttle service and many local hotels and lodging options are destinations. This will make it especially convenient for you to travel back and forth from the grounds. Also, first aid stations are available, for those seeking medical attention.

For more information on this LaCrosse, Wisconsin homage to German culture, visit the official website at http://www.oktoberfestusa.com/.

If you want the German experience, without the hefty price tag of international travel, head to Wisconsin this fall for Oktoberfest, USA!