Your 2018 Festmaster & Frau – Mike & Karen Keil

Mike Keil, 62, was born in Duluth, Minn., but his family moved to Eau Claire, Wis., when he was 4. He grew up there, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving a degree in civil and environmental engineering in 1982.

Once out of school, he worked with an engineering consulting firm in the Chicago suburbs for six years. In 1988, he moved back to Madison and started his own environmental consulting firm.

In 1996, his wife, Karen, an obstetrician/gynecologist, joined the staff at Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, and they and their two children, son Camden, and daughter Alahna Jo, moved to the La Crosse area where Mike quickly became known as a successful developer in buildings such as the Jackson Plaza, The Holmen Square Shopping Center and the Doerflinger Building.

The Keils live in the City of La Crosse

Former Festmasters and Fraus

Who will represent La Crosse as the 2019 Festmaster?

The selection of the Festmaster is one of the oldest and most cherished Fest traditions. The selection process and naming of the new Festmaster is very secret and the mystery only adds to the fun!

The Festmaster heads the Oktoberfest Royal Family and is chosen annually by the Board of Trustees. Once selected, the Board of Trustees Chairman, along with the past year’s Festmaster, mentors the new Festmaster, bringing him up to speed on his duties, expectations, and appearances.

The new Festmaster & Frau are announced at the Festmaster’s Ball, held yearly in August.

Nominations for the 2019 Festmaster are now being accepted and will close January 7th!

Oktoberfest USA (La Crosse Festivals, Inc.) accepts nominations for Festmaster near the end of the calendar year. If you know a man who is deserving, involved, and would be a great fit in our community-focused organization, submit your nomination below!

Nominations will be accepted for a man who is…

• married
• age 50 or older
• a resident for at least 10 years within 20 mile radius of La Crosse
• actively involved and well-known in La Crosse community
• has the time to devote to Oktoberfest activities!

The following information is required to complete the nomination:

• Name of the nominee
• Nominee’s address & contact information
• Nominee’s biographical information – this would include such information as occupation, community or volunteer service, church involvement, professional activities, community or professional awards
• Nominator’s name and personal comments as to why they have submitted nominee’s name

Nominate your pick for 2019 Festmaster online below:

If you prefer to mail a written nomination, please send it to:

Oktoberfest Board of Trustees
La Crosse Festivals / Oktoberfest
P.O. Box 1716
La Crosse, WI 54602-1716

The final selection is made by the Board of Trustees however all nominations are kept on file for three years from the date of submission. New Festmasters are announced at the Festmaster’s Ball celebration.