Your 2019 Special Fester – Danielle Lass

photo credit: Stephanie Lass

Danielle Lass is 12 years old and a 7th grader at Onalaska Middle School. She is the daughter of Rob and Stephanie Lass. She has three older brothers that she adores. Alec is 23, Sam is 21, and CJ is 17. Danielle enjoys supporting them in their various activities and in turn, they are very supportive of her. Danielle enjoys all types of music but especially K Pop. Going to concerts is one of her favorite activities.

Danielle was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome at 3 months. It is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 10,000. Williams Syndrome is characterized by medical issues and cognitive delays. Danielle is very social and outgoing. She loves interacting with people and is very excited to be this year’s Special Fester.

Former Special Festers

YearSpecial Fester
1989Miranda Roberts
1990Jill Bakalars
1991Jamie Williams
1992Brad Swinghammer
1993Amanda Hundt*
1994Ashley Adams
1995Patrick Molzahn
1996Devon Sprain
1997Molly Mulrennan
1998Thea Aspenson
1999Jareau Ammann
2000Katie Kane
2001Teri Gerlach*
2002Andrew Fruit
2003Keith Stachowitz
2004Cassie Strand
2005Mitch Kaiser
2006Emily Limbach
2007Danny Alderman
2008Alysha Klatt
2009Brevin Terpstra
2010Jonah Cowgill
2011Sydney Fitzpatrick
2012Erik O'Brien
2013Conner Ellis
2014Makayla Olson
2015Brianne Cooper
2016Gunner Skroch
2017Keaton Hall
2018Mackenzie Peterson
* Fondly Remembered

Special Festers

Special Fester Nomination

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 Special Fester. Download, complete and submit the Special Fester Nomination form or complete the form online. Deadline for nominations is May 7, 2019.  Completed applications can be returned to the Oktoberfest office:

[email protected]

PO Box 1716

La Crosse, WI 54602

 

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  • Oktoberfest Special Fester Nomination

    La Crosse Festivals Inc. (d/b/a Oktoberfest USA) accepts nominations for the Special Fester through the first Monday in May each calendar year.

    If you know an individual who would love to be a part of the Oktoberfest family, submit your nomination!


    Your nominee should be a person who:
    • has a special need or disability
    • is between the ages of 9 and 21
    • is a resident within 20-mile radius of La Crosse

    All entries must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on the first Monday in May each calendar year to be considered for that year. The final selection is made by Special Fester Committee. The new Speical Fester will be announced at the Special Fester Ball held yearly in September.

    Eligible nominations shall remain active for two years from the date of the original nomination.
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