Coulee Recovery Center will, once again, offer alcohol-free Oktoberfest celebration

While hundreds are looking forward to tapping of the golden keg Friday morning during Oktoberfest in La Crosse, others are trying to avoid the festivities.

Coulee Recovery Center Executive Director Cheryl Hancock says it can be a tough time for people trying to remain sober.

“People, when they are confronted with the kind of revely tghat you see sometimes with Oktobefest, there is sometimes an increased need for people,” she said. “Other people will rally around them and support them.”

An alternative Oktoberfest takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday. The 36th annual Turned Leaf Family Festival will feature kids games, live music and food. It takes place at Myrick Park and is alcohol free.

“It really is a family event,” Hancock said, adding they try to make it as enjoyable as possible, to show you don’t need alcohol to enjoy yourself. “It’s a big change for many people so we want to make this as fun as paossible bc they deserve to have a godo, fun Oktoberfest.”