Skyrockers planning three firework shows for Oktoberfest

The folks who bring you fireworks in La Crosse on the 4th of July and New Year’s Eve have a couple of Oktoberfest shows planned next week. 

The La Crosse redevelopment authority is being asked to approve a site near the Black River for the Skyrockers to launch fireworks to be seen from the festgrounds. 

“That was the best position,” Skyrockers vice president Marty Schmal said. “There hasn’t been any other discussion in regard to a different location.”

The redevelopment panel has to give permission, because the site is close to where dirt is being brought in for the River Point project. The committee meets Thursday afternoon, one week before the start of Oktoberfest.

“It’s actually not where the construction is taking place at the moment,” Schmal said. “Back on the bike trail, back where we would be is still pretty much swamp land. It hasn’t been touched yet.”

Schmal added that three fireworks events are planned.

There would be a 13-minute show Thursday, after the Torchlight Parade, and a longer show on Saturday night. Some salutes may also be fired on Friday morning, during the tapping of the Golden Keg.