Oktoberfest royalty for 2 years continues hand-off to new royals

He’s been the Festmaster for Oktoberfest-La Crosse for two years, thanks to a pandemic.

It’s a title that takes up many hours in the days leading up to the start of Oktoberfest.

Terry Cowgill experienced that two years ago as the 2019 Festmaster. He has kept his title for two years, because the pandemic led to cancellation of the 2020 fest.

Is Cowgill ready to hand the Festmaster job to someone else?

“Oh, yes, yes,” he told WIZM at a pre-Oktoberfest gathering Monday. “We like to think we were so good at it, they let us do it for two years. Of course, my good friends like to point out I screwed it up so bad the first year, they kept me on for a second year.”

La Crosse’s four-day Oktoberfest begins Thursday with the Torchlight Parade. Cowgill did have some tips for people joining the royal family this year.

“I think a good recommendation is to pace yourself,” Cowgill said. “It gets to be a lot. It’s very fun, it’s very busy.”

Samantha Strong and Scott Neumeister have already been announced as the fest parade marshals.

Mrs. Oktoberfest will be introduced at a dinner on Tuesday night, and the La Crosse Center hosts the Festmaster’s Ball on Wednesday.