Threatening Skies Doesn’t Keep The Crowds From Octoberfest

Despite obstacles the Fox Cities Chamber faced in the past couple of years, they are excited to finally be back.

“In 2020 it was canceled because of COVID, we were hoping to have it in 2021 but unfortunately the effects of COVID were still lingering and we weren’t able to get the as many of the volunteers and resources that we needed in order to pull it off,” says Fox Cities Chamber VP of Strategic Communications, Laura Wiegert.

Wiegert is already focused on preparing for next years event.

“We are starting to actively recruit now to get volunteers for 2023,” says Wiegert.

Many organizations rely on fundraising at Appleton’s Octoberfest and are happy to be back.

“Today we are hosting a chili dog and caramel apple sale to raise money for our High Adventure Scouts,” says Scout Master of Troop #177, Leah Schwarz.

Schwarz says Octoberfest is an amazing opportunity for the scouts to fundraise.

“We just want the kids to get out there do their best, doing what they can to support themselves in scouting, get themselves seen, have a good time and what we make we make,” says Schwarz.

Ann Schuh is raising money for the Waterboard Warriors Waterski Team by selling Yoder’s Fried Pies.

Although it’s their first time here, they have a big goal.

“We actually have 3,000 pies so if we sell all 3,000 pies we are going to make over 8,000 dollars,” says Schuh.

As for Appleton itself, Wiegert says the event is a huge boost for it’s economy.

“They’re not only buying from our vendors, they are going to all the vendors up and down College Avenue, filling up the hotels, eating at our restaurants, patronizing other bars and restaurants,” says Wiegert.

This is Appleton’s 40th Octoberfest.