2022 Special Fester – Liam Caulkins
Liam Caulkins, who was born with hearing impairment, used American Sign Language as his first communication. Here, he’s signing “smile.”
Liam Caulkins is a seventh grader at Onalaska Middle School. He is the son of Robert and Kimberly Caulkins. He has one older brother Collin Caulkins. Liam enjoys spending time outdoors gardening with his grandmother, playing Minecraft, and recently participated in La Crosse Community Theatres Penguin Project production of Seussical Jr. the musical. Liam was born with various medical issues including hearing impairment, a congenital heart defect, global developmental delay, and Autism. Due to his hearing impairment Liam’s 1st language was American sign language. Despite the delay in his speech Liam is a social butterfly who loves meeting new people and engaging in any activity that allows him the opportunity to communicate with others.
Former Special Festers
| Year | Special Fester |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Rylee Beahm |
| 2019-2020 | Danielle Lass |
| 2018 | Mackenzie Peterson |
| 2017 | Keaton Hall |
| 2016 | Gunner Skroch |
| 2015 | Brianne Cooper |
| 2014 | Makayla Olson |
| 2013 | Conner Ellis |
| 2012 | Erik O'Brien |
| 2011 | Sydney Fitzpatrick |
| 2010 | Jonah Cowgill |
| 2009 | Brevin Terpstra |
| 2008 | Alysha Klatt |
| 2007 | Danny Alderman |
| 2006 | Emily Limbach |
| 2005 | Mitch Kaiser |
| 2004 | Cassie Strand |
| 2003 | Keith Stachowitz |
| 2002 | Andrew Fruit |
| 2001 | Teri Gerlach* |
| 2000 | Katie Kane |
| 1999 | Jareau Ammann |
| 1998 | Thea Aspenson |
| 1997 | Molly Mulrennan |
| 1996 | Devon Sprain |
| 1995 | Patrick Molzahn |
| 1994 | Ashley Adams |
| 1993 | Amanda Hundt* |
| 1992 | Brad Swinghammer |
| 1991 | Jamie Williams |
| 1990 | Jill Bakalars |
| 1989 | Miranda Roberts |
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. Completed applications can be returned to the Oktoberfest office:
PO Box 1716
La Crosse, WI 54602