Gov. Evers stops by La Crosse Oktoberfest; joins in on Ein Prosit

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers stopped by Craft Beer Night at the La Crosse Oktoberfest to celebrate the industry that has seen much growth in the last decade.

Evers proclaimed Sept. 26, Wisconsin Craft Brewery day from the south side fest grounds.

Evers reflected on living in the area years ago and how much the industry has taken off since then.

“I lived in Tomah for 10 years,” Evers said. “I can tell you that there wasn’t such a thing as craft beer back then. Now here we are with an official craft beer night.”

The governor was touring the state to promote Craft Brewery Day and stopped at seven different breweries, capping it off in La Crosse.

Evers said the breweries often rely on local goods and services to keep them going.

“They pretty much buy local,” Evers said. “They’re using the great Wisconsin water in their brewing process. Bottles, labels, pretty much everything, comes from Wisconsin.

Evers left after reading a proclamation, touting the economic impact of the industry.

“The number of breweries in Wisconsin has more than doubled in the last decade,” Evers said, “generating 2.25 billion dollars in statewide economic impact.”

After Evers left the festgrounds, he called into the WIZM studio, on La Crosse Talk PM, to talk more beer, along with the Packers and Brewers.

Oktoberfest continues through Sunday.