Campus Connection

UWL class adds Lederhosen Races to Oktoberfest

Like most Recreation Management majors at UWL, Ross Ramsey doesn’t like to sit in the classroom. He would much rather be working in the community, getting hands-on experience for his future. That’s exactly what he and the rest of his Meetings, Conventions and Event Planning class have been up to this month. Their hard work will be showcased the last weekend in September at La Crosse’s largest festival — Oktoberfest. “I was so excited,” exclaimed Ramsey. “People come to La Crosse just for Oktoberfest.” The class is tasked with planning a new event — the Lederhosen Races — for the festival. It’s a combination of four smaller events, such as hammerschlagen and grain toss. For many of the students, it’s their first time planning an event of this scale. “It’s a good way for us to get our feet wet,” says Ramsey. https://youtu.be/_JFFBJ7UMXM The student’s work will be showcased at the Southside Fest Grounds from 2-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29. Weather permitting, the event will return 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1. “Having this experience right now makes it easier for me to know I can keep moving forward,” says Aaron Peckham, a junior in the class. “This is why I’m in this major — to see people enjoying things I was a part of.”