The Grenadier Corps
What’s an Oktoberfest Grenadier?
Couples who love to promote and celebrate Oktoberfest USA and La Crosse area all year long by attending events, parades, and volunteering in our community.
Who can be Oktoberfest Grenadiers?
Married couples that can commit 3 years to the organization.
Why is there a commitment and what would I be committing to?
We require a commitment because we invest in training you on all things Oktoberfest – from E-I-E-I-O to who is Gambi and why we carry him around. There are many couples who extend their commitment longer than 3 years, but we know it takes at least 3 years to have enough time to experience all there is to offer.
A “full-time” grenadier couple attends monthly meetings, participates in at least 9 parades per year, and is present at events during the annual Oktoberfest festival.
Why join?
- Give back to the community by promoting our incredible festival and beautiful city. Plus it’s nearly impossible to be sad while doing the polka!
- A regular commitment to get out of the house, explore small town gems, make new friends you may have never met before, and have fun as a couple!
- Learn some of the best dance moves that impresses every city we visit.
- Opportunities to volunteer at local events.
- Make memories that last a lifetime with people who were once strangers but quickly became family.
Submit your interest
If you are interested in learning more about being involved in the Grenadier Corp. submit a form of interest and we will be in contact with you to provide additional information and answer any questions you have. Please note that most of the fields are required. We respect your privacy and the information will be used for internal purposes only.
Click here to submit your interest
You may also email your completed form to [email protected] or drop it in the mail to: Oktoberfest, USA, PO Box 1716, La Crosse, WI 54602-1716.
Please call the La Crosse Oktoberfest office at (608) 784-3378 with any questions.
Grenadier Corps
Former Grenadier Generals
The following couples have served as leaders of the Grenadier Corps.
| Year | Grenadier Generals |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Bill & Dani Baxter |
| 2022 | Chris & Susan Hoghaug |
| 2021 | Chad & Angi Tamke |
| 2020 | Justin & Katie Drury |
| 2019 | Justin & Katie Drury |
| 2018 | Adam & Stephanie Stevens |
| 2017 | Jeff & Terri Hankey |
| 2016 | Travis & Mandi Horstman |
| 2015 | Jeff & Amanda Jackson |
| 2014 | Nick & Katie Bjerke |
| 2013 | Dan & Robyn Johnson |
| 2012 | Wayde & Melissa Pollock |
| 2011 | Tom & Marilyn Tiggelaar |
| 2010 | Peter & Diann Pichotta |
| 2009 | Matt & Sheila Bachmann |
| 2008 | Terry & Marilee Zalewski |
| 2007 | Dan & Lynn Gundlach |
| 2006 | Ron & Nita Wagner |
| 2005 | Tim & Kathy Moore |
| 2004 | John & Leanne Stokes |
| 2003 | Bill & Jackie Pritchard |
| 2002 | Scott & Amy Gleason |
| 2001 | Dave & Laura Wagner |
| 2000 | Reggie & Becky Bicha |
| 1999 | Tom & Tami Baeier |
| 1998 | Jeff & Amy Wrobel |
| 1997 | Mark & Mary Erickson |
| 1996 | Paul & Barb Carlson |
| 1995 | Ardie & Susie Schock |
| 1994 | Ardie & Susie Schock |
| 1993 | `Ron & Donna Mae Phillips |
| 1992 | Mike & Robyn Tanke |
| 1991 | Bill & Karen Bush |
| 1990 | Chuck & Judy Smith; Jim & Mary Tracy |
| 1989 | Jim & Rosie Nelson |
| 1988 | Rod & Jackie Ostrem |
| 1987 | Ken & Mary Lou Balts |
| 1986 | Art & Shelley Fahey |
| 1985 | John & Lynn McConaughey |
| 1984 | John & Lynn McConaughey |
| 1983 | Chuck & Ardeen Olson |
| 1982 | Tom & Pat Pahs |
| 1981 | Morgan & Ruth Jostad |
| 1980 | Terry & Connie Christopherson |
| 1979 | Bill & Jan Larkin |
| 1978 | Bill & Jan Larkin |
| 1977 | Bert & Wanda Nelson |
| 1976 | Bill & Carol Bloom |
| 1975 | Larry & Donna Lee |
| 1974 | Wally & Betty Stoll |
| 1973 | Mike & Sue Core |
| 1972 | Mike & Sue Core |
| 1971 | Jack & MJ Custer |