Today (Wednesday) at Noon, Appleton Downtown have announced a few changes to the traditional Appleton Octoberfest and License to Cruise. Read the full press release below:
Appleton’s Octoberfest Announces Change in Format for 2020 Event Octoberfest 2020 Reimagined
APPLETON, Wis. – From the very first Octoberfest in 1981 to today, the Octoberfest mission remains the same – to set a stage for non-profit organizations to showcase the good work they do in our community and make money as food vendors, wristband sellers, and more. To date, Octoberfest has reinvested nearly 3 million dollars in our community.
It is paramount that these events provide a family-friendly, safe, and healthy atmosphere for the more than 300,000 attendees and nearly 1,000 volunteers who participate each year. After much discussion with public health officials and reviewing the latest public health guidance, the Octoberfest planning committee along with the Fox Cities Chamber announce that the 2020 Octoberfest and License to Cruise events will not be held in the traditional manner due to concerns about large gatherings amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of concern for the safety of our attendees, volunteers, vendors and musicians we have determined that the safest course of action is to plan alternate events that eliminate large crowds, but still help local nonprofits.
“While this was a difficult decision to make, we believe it is the ethical and financially prudent thing to do based on the information we currently have,” said Eric Stadler, Chair of the Octoberfest event committee. “We have to be fiscally responsible to continue to support local nonprofits through our grant program and can’t afford to begin to plan (and pay for) an event that all signs indicate we won’t be able to host.”
Although this year won’t bring the traditional License to Cruise and Octoberfest events that the public has come to know and love, we will host alternative events that will allow us to continue to meet our mission – to raise money and awareness of local nonprofits. “Now, more than ever, our local nonprofits need the support of our community and we are excited to begin planning Octoberfest 2020 Reimagined”, said Eric Stadler. “I can assure you that our passion for these events will not falter.”
More information about Octoberfest 2020: Reimagined will be released as details are confirmed. Please stay tuned to the License to Cruise and Octoberfest social media channels and octoberfestonline.org for more updates.
About Octoberfest Octoberfest, an event of the Fox Cities Chamber, is a two-day festival in Appleton, Wisconsin. Held every year on the fourth weekend of September, the festival is celebrating 39 years of food, fun, and philanthropy. The mission of the first event was the same as it is today, to serve as a fundraiser for nonprofit organizations. Octoberfest has grown to host 200,000 attendees annually, has 100 food booths supporting nonprofit organizations, arts and crafts, and entertainment for all. Funds raised from sponsorship and beverage sales are used for the competitive grant program that provides funding to nonprofits year-round. For more information, visit octoberfestonline.org for the latest news and updates. #AppletonOctoberfest
The Fox Cities Chamber captures the energy of one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic regions and transforms it into innovative programs and services for its business members. The Chamber serves all of the Fox Cities communities within the counties of Outagamie, Calumet, and northern Winnebago, and plays a leadership role in regional economic development efforts in Northeastern Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.foxcitieschamber.com.
