History of Applefest

2019 Applefest Board Members

Applefest History & Info

From the archives of the La Crescent Historical Society. Updated March 2020.

 The La Crescent Apple Festival was founded in September 1949 by Ralph Jones and Mel Hickenbotham, with the purpose of promoting La Crescent, its apple industry, and “putting La Crescent on the map”.

The initial planning session was held just two weeks prior to the fest. The first Apple Festival was a huge success, drawing a crowd of nearly 20,000 people and was just a sample of what was to come, as the festivals have grown in size and quality every year.

The Apple Festival was incorporated in 1958 with a seven-member board. It has grown to allow for a maximum board of 42. Each years’ board is listed below.

Apple Festival Inc. is a not-for-profit organization. Board members donate their time and pay their own expenses. All profits made from the festivals are given back to the community for various projects.

The Apple Festival, Inc. was instrumental in the building of the swimming pool and the youth hockey warming house. They have purchased beepers for the fire department, playground equipment, build a tennis court, and other numerous projects.

Famous banquet speakers over the years have included visits by ABC news broadcaster Paul Harvey in 1957 and 1961. In addition to Paul’s visit in 1961, Minnesota Governor Elmer Anderson and Miss USA, Minnesota’s Barbara Peterson also attended.

Board Member History

Note: The first name in bold at the top of each year was the President for that term.

1949

  • Mel Hickenbotham
  • Ralph Jones

1950

  • Mel Hickenbotham
  • Bill Lathrop
  • Clarence Vetch
  • Fred Rumsey
  • Jerry Berry
  • Ken Shepartdon
  • Ralph Jones
  • Robert Stoehr
  • Russel Hess
  • William Carroll

1951

  • Mel Hickenbotham
  • D.C. Webster
  • Henry Abnet Jr.
  • Henry Abnet Sr.
  • Henry Leidel
  • Howard Papenfuss
  • Jerome Baker
  • Ken Greenwood
  • Paul Aronson
  • Ralph Jones

1952

  • Ralph Kuehn
  • Mr. & Mrs. Tony Gartner

1953

  • L.W. Gittens
  • Bill Lathrop
  • John Harris
  • Ralph Jones

1954

  • L.W. Gittens
  • Gordon Yates
  • Henry Bay
  • Henry Leidel
  • Katherine McCaffrey
  • Paul Aronson
  • Ralph Jones

1955

  • L.W. Gittens
  • D.C. Webster
  • Gordon Yates
  • Harold Vindal
  • Henry Leidel
  • Ralph Kuehn
  • Russel Senn

1956

  • Ralph Jones
  • Gordon Yates
  • L.W. Gittens
  • Ralph Kuehn

1957

  • Charles Fanning
  • Don Loechler
  • Everett Anderson
  • Gordon Yates
  • Henry Bay
  • Katherine McCaffrey
  • Paul Aronson
  • Ralph Jones

1958

  • Charles Fanning
  • Everett Anderson
  • Katherine McCaffrey
  • Paul Aronson
  • Ralph Jones

1959

  • Phillip Utz
  • Gordon Yates

1960

  • Joe Kistler
  • Bruce Nelson
  • Gordon Yates
  • Jim Speropulos
  • L.W. Gittens
  • Phillip Utz
  • Ralph Jones

1961

  • James Speropulos
  • Bruce Nelson
  • Bryce Tracey
  • Gordon Yates
  • L.W. Gittens
  • Ralph Muskat

1962

  • Gordon Yates
  • Howard Peart
  • L.W. Gittens
  • Robert Ulrich
  • Russell Hayes
  • William Kerrigan

1963

  • Russ Hayes
  • Chester Lachecki
  • Howard Peart
  • Keith Jones
  • L.W. Gittens
  • Victor Leidel
  • William Kerrigan

1964

  • Russ Hayes

1965

  • Timothy Plummer
  • Chester Lachecki
  • Gerald Miller
  • Jay Schnoor
  • Kenneth Malgren
  • Richard Erickson

1966

  • Timothy Plummer

1967

  • Dick Erickson

1968

  • Dick Erickson

1969

  • Floyd Hillstrom

1970

  • Keith Deyo

1971

  • Keith Deyo

1972

  • Dean Pater
  • Charles Hinders
  • David Bissen
  • David Yeiter
  • Dick Kathan
  • Gerald O’Flaherty
  • Howard Meyer
  • Jerry Marik
  • Joe Schockley
  • Mike Wagner
  • Ron Schomburg
  • Sid Scoville

1973

  • Charles Hinders
  • Chester Mroz
  • Dave Yeiter
  • Dick Kathan
  • Donald Burkhardt
  • Earl Seaton
  • Gerald O’Flaherty
  • Jerry Marik
  • Jon Larson
  • Perry Brown
  • Rollie Johnson
  • Ron Hill

1974

  • Charles Hinders
  • Chester Mroz
  • Dave Yeiter
  • Dick Kathan
  • Duane Woodworth
  • Earl Seaton Jr.
  • Gerald O’Flaherty
  • Jack Elder
  • Jack Welch
  • Jon Larson
  • Loren Mollet
  • Milo Runnigan
  • Perry Brown
  • Rollie Johnson
  • Tom Bruha
  • Tom Papacek

1975

  • Charles Hinders
  • Dave Yeiter
  • Duane Woodworth
  • Earl Seaton Jr.
  • Gerald O’Flaherty
  • Jack Elder
  • Jack Welch
  • Jon Larson
  • Ken Senn
  • Loren Mollet
  • Perry Brown
  • Ross Phelps
  • Sandy (Sterling) Mutz
  • Tom Bruha
  • Tom Papacek

1976

  • Jon Larson
  • Charles Bird
  • Charles Gilbert
  • Donald Anderson
  • Duane Woodworth
  • Henry Faust
  • Jack Elder
  • Jack Welch
  • Ken Senn
  • Luke LaBarge
  • Lynn Partington
  • Ralph Broring
  • Ralph Brostrom
  • Robert Loberg
  • Ronald Kraft
  • Ross Phelps
  • Thomas Lewis
  • Tom Bruha
  • Tom Papacek

1977

  • Jack Welch
  • Don Anderson
  • Harry Foust
  • Jack Grupa
  • Jack Miller
  • Jeff Moen
  • Ken Claussen
  • Ken Helming
  • Luke LaBarge
  • Ottis Adamson
  • Ralph Broring
  • Robert Loberg
  • Ross Phelps
  • Sandy (Sterling) Mutz
  • Ted Koski
  • Tom Lewis

1978

  • Robert Loberg
  • Curt Murry
  • Don Anderson
  • Duane Baardseth
  • Ginnie Trehus
  • Jack Grupa
  • Jack Miller
  • Jeff Moen
  • Jerry Lynch
  • Jim Ruppert
  • Ken Claussen
  • Ken Helming
  • Luke LaBarge
  • Mike Hase
  • Ottis Adamson
  • Phil Jensen
  • Sandy (Sterling) Mutz
  • Ted Koski
  • Tom Lewis

1979

  • Phil Jensen
  • Bill Dworschak
  • Bob Heth Jr.
  • Curt Murray
  • Duane Baardseth
  • Ginnie Trehus
  • Jack Miller
  • Jerry Lynch
  • Jim Adamson
  • Jim Bigelow
  • Jim Ruppert
  • Jim Walley
  • Ken Claussen
  • Ken Helming
  • Ken Kamrowski
  • Mike Hase
  • Ottis Adamson
  • Rich Zuehlke
  • Robert Emery
  • Ted Koskie

1980

  • Curt Murray
  • Al Grimes
  • Albert Dial
  • Bill Dworschak
  • Bill Hansen
  • Bob Heth Jr.
  • DeAnn & Dennis Redwing
  • Duane Baardseth
  • Gary Larson
  • Jerry Lynch
  • Jim Bigelow
  • Jim Ruppert
  • Ken Kamrowski
  • Marti Welch
  • Nancy Wally
  • Phil Jensen
  • Rich Zuehlke
  • Robert Emery

1981

  • Albert Dial
  • Al Grimes
  • Bill Hansen
  • Bob Heth Jr.
  • DeAnn & Dennis Redwing
  • Dick Gasper
  • Earl Nelson
  • Ed Rice
  • Gary Larson
  • Jim Bigelow
  • Jim Hanno
  • John Ramsden
  • John & Mary Lou Engler
  • Ken Kamrowski
  • Marti Welch
  • Paul Harris
  • Rich Zuehlke
  • Rick Dryhaug
  • Robert Emery

1982

  • Al Grimes
  • Albert Dial
  • Bill Hansen
  • Dan Frosch
  • DeAnn & Dennis Redwing
  • Dick Gasper
  • Jeff Hauke
  • Earl Ladewig
  • Earl Nelson
  • Ed Rice
  • Jack Hasse
  • Jim Hanno
  • John & Mary Lou Engler
  • Kevin & Kathy Englin
  • Lynn Partington
  • Marti Welch
  • Paul Harris
  • Peter Clark
  • Rick Dryhaug
  • Robert Hughes
  • Steven Schams

1983

  • Rick Dyrhaug
  • Al Grimes
  • Bob Hughes
  • Bob & Katy Langen
  • Carl & Michelle Hartman
  • Dan Butterfield
  • Dan Frosch
  • Dick Gasper
  • Jeff Hauke
  • Earl Ladewig
  • Earl Nelson
  • Ed Rice
  • Jim Hanno
  • John & Mary Lou Engler
  • Linda Gasper
  • Lynn Partington
  • Paul Harris
  • Richard Listiak
  • Robert Ellis
  • Steven Schams

1984

  • Earl Ladewig
  • Al Grimes
  • Albert & Mary Reider
  • Bill & Ruth Proksch
  • Bob Hughes
  • Bob & Katy Langen
  • Carl & Michell Hartman
  • Chuck Forester
  • Dan Butterfield
  • Dan Frosch
  • Dan Ruda
  • Jeff Hauke
  • Ed Masewicz
  • Karen Freese
  • Linda Gasper
  • Nancy Merrill
  • Richard Listiak
  • Robert Ellis
  • Steven Schams
  • William McDonald

1985

  • Robert Ellis
  • Al & Vicky Schroeder
  • Albert & Mary Reider
  • Bill McDonald
  • Bill & Nancy Kohlmeyer
  • Bill & Ruth Proksch
  • Bob & Katy Langen
  • Brian & Barb Newhouse
  • Carl & Michelle Hartman
  • Chuck Foerster
  • Dan Butterfield
  • Dan Ruda
  • Ed Masewicz
  • Karen Freese
  • Ken & Bev Dobbs
  • Linda Gasper
  • Maxine Buehler
  • Mike Poellinger
  • Nancy Merrill
  • Richard Listiak
  • Sam & Bev Jiardina

1986

  • Albert & Mary Reider
  • Al & Vicky Schroeder
  • Bill McDonald
  • Bill & Nancy Kohlmeyer
  • Bill & Ruth Proksch
  • Brian & Barb Newhouse
  • Charlie Solberg
  • Chuck Foerster
  • Dan Ruda
  • Don & Karen Groth
  • Ed Masewicz
  • John Martin
  • Ken & Bev Dobbs
  • Karen Freese
  • Mike Poellinger
  • Rodney & Janet Lumbard
  • Russ & Maribeth Phillips
  • Sam & Bev Jiardina
  • Sharon Markee
  • Theresa Kistler

1987

  • Brian & Barb Newhouse
  • Al & Vicky Schroeder
  • Bernice & John Schuldt
  • Bill & Nancy Kohlmeyer
  • Charles Solberg
  • Claudia Pruuel
  • Don & Karen Groth
  • Gary & Chris Weaver
  • Hugh Towsley
  • Joan Imhoff
  • Joanne Delaney
  • Ken & Bev Dobbs
  • Larry Kepley
  • Mike Albrecht
  • Mike Poellinger
  • Rodney & Janet Lumberd
  • Russ & Maribeth Phillips
  • Sam & Bev Jiardina
  • Sharon Markee
  • Slim & Kathy Albrecht
  • Theresa Kistler

1988

  • Rodney & Janet Lumbard
  • Alan Van Bergen
  • Arlyn (Slim) & Kathy Albrecht
  • Brian & Ginger Lasch
  • Charles Solberg
  • Claudia Pruuel
  • Daryl (Cottie) & Joyce Witt
  • Dick Halsey
  • Don & Karen Groth
  • Gary & Chris Weaver
  • Hugh Towsley
  • Joan Imhoff
  • Joanne Delaney
  • John & Bernice Schuldt
  • Larry Kepley
  • Mark Hughes
  • Mike Albrecht
  • Russ & Maribeth Phillips
  • Sharon Markee
  • Theresa Kistler
  • Tony Michalke

1989

  • Hugh & Mary Towsley
  • Arlyn (Slim) & Kathy Albrecht
  • Brian & Ginger Lasch
  • Charles & Shirley Kasten
  • Claudia Pruuel
  • Daryl (Cottie) & Joyce Wit
  • Ed & Mary Klein
  • Joanee Delaney
  • John & LeAnn Suhr
  • Larry Kepley
  • Mark Hughes
  • Mike Albrecht
  • Paul & Barb Carlson
  • Steve & Carla Sipley
  • Tony Michalke

1990

  • Cottie & Joyce Witt
  • Bill Crail
  • Brian & Ginger Lasch
  • Charles & Shirley Kasten
  • Claudia Pruuel
  • Dale & Terri Williams
  • Dottie Nordorft-U’Ren
  • Ed & Mary Klein
  • John & LeAnn Suhr
  • Mark Hughes
  • Mark Nolop
  • Mary Grattan
  • Paul & Barb Carlson
  • Perry & Ellie St. John
  • Steve & Carla Sipley

1991

  • Cottie & Joyce Witt
  • Al Grimes
  • Barb Berg
  • Bill Crail
  • Brian & Ginger Lasch
  • Carol Leidel
  • Charles & Shirly Kasten
  • Claudia Pruuel
  • Dale & Terri Williams
  • Dottie Nordorft-U’Ren
  • Ed & Mary Klein
  • Jane Husmann
  • Jerry Steffes
  • Jerry & Pat Mades
  • John & LeAnn Suhr
  • Mark Nolop
  • Mary Grattan
  • Paul & Barb Carlson
  • Robb Ready
  • Shelly Hurm
  • Tami Lehmann

1992

  • Dale & Terri Williams
  • Carol Leidel
  • Connie Murphy
  • Dave Clark
  • Donna Falconer
  • Jann Krohn
  • Jerry Steffes
  • Ken & Shirley Runberg
  • Mark Nolop
  • Mary Grattan
  • Mike Mishler
  • Paul Trocinske
  • Steve & Sherry Husmann
  • Sue Wobig

1993

  • Sue Wobig
  • Carol Leidel
  • Chuck & Linda McGuire
  • Claudia Pruuel
  • Connie Murphy
  • Diane Moran
  • Donna Falconer
  • Jann Krohn
  • Jerry Steffes
  • Jerry & Pat Mades
  • Joyce Kult
  • Ken & Shirley Runberg
  • Mark Nolop
  • Mary Grattan
  • Mike Misler
  • Pat Burr
  • Paul Trocinske
  • Shelly Hurm
  • Steve & Shelly Husmann
  • Tami Lehman

1994

  • Pat Burr
  • B.J. Schiltz
  • Bob Ambuehl
  • Carol Leidel
  • Chuck & Linda McGuire
  • Claudia Pruuel
  • Connie Murphy
  • Diane Moran
  • Donna Falconer
  • Hollie (Noelke) Brown
  • Jann Krohn
  • Jerry Groepper
  • Jim Adamson
  • Ken & Shirley Runberg
  • Mary Grattan
  • Mike Mishler
  • Shelly Hurm
  • Sue Wobig

1995

  • Pat Burr
  • B.J. Schlitz
  • Bob Ambuehl
  • Bob Ratigan
  • Bruce & Cheryl Doering
  • Carol Leidel
  • Chuck & Linda McGuire
  • Connie Murphy
  • Hollie (Noelke) Brown
  • Jim Adamson
  • Mary Grattan
  • Nels & Sue Anderson
  • Pat & Linda Kerrigan
  • Terry & Sheree Dahl
  • Theresa Kistler

1996

  • Nels & Sue Anderson
  • B.J. Schiltz
  • Barb Sheehan
  • Bob Ratigan
  • Carol Leidel
  • Connie Murphy
  • Donna Falconer
  • Gary Bruggerman
  • Hollie (Noelke) Brown
  • Jim Adamson
  • Joe Arbuckle
  • Keith Miller
  • Russ & Janice Mullen
  • Sarah Kohlmeyer
  • Steve & Vicki Schaefer
  • Terry & Sheree Dahl
  • Theresa Kistler

1997

  • Nels & Sue Anderson
  • A.J. & Jacquie Jenkins
  • Barb Sheehan
  • Bob Ratigan
  • Bruce & Cheryl Doering
  • Carolyn Nelson
  • Connie Murphy
  • Donna Falconer
  • Doug Collister
  • Gary Bruggeman
  • Hollie (Noelk) Brown
  • Julie Arney
  • Keith Miller
  • Pat & Linda Kerrigan
  • Russ & Janice Mullen
  • Sarah Kohlmeyer
  • Steve & Vicki Schaefer
  • Terry & Sheree Dahl
  • Theresa Kistler

1998

  • Sarah (Kohlmeyer) Dohnalik
  • Allison Conrad
  • Barb Sheehan
  • Bruce & Cheryl Doering
  • Carolyn Nelson
  • Dena Doering
  • Dennis Danielson
  • Donna Falconer
  • Doug Collister
  • Janice Mullen
  • Joe Arbuckle
  • Julie Arney
  • Karen Gillmeister
  • Keith Miller
  • Mike Harlos
  • Mike Opsahl
  • Russ Mullen
  • Steve & Vicki Schaefer
  • Todd Wolter

1999

  • Donna Falconer
  • Doug Colliter
  • Keith Miller
  • Mike Harlos
  • Julie Arney
  • Dan Brinks
  • Allison Chrstian
  • Denny Danielson
  • Joanne Delaney
  • Bruce & Cheryl Doering
  • Jamie & Dena Durocher
  • Neil Hjelmeland
  • Carolyn Nelson
  • Karen Gilmeister
  • Mike Opsahl
  • John Sayers
  • Brandon Sebo
  • Dennis Williamson
  • Todd Wolter

2000

  • Allison Conrad
  • Jamie & Dena Durocher
  • Karen Gilmeister
  • Mike Harlos
  • Doug Collister
  • Keith Miller
  • John Sayers
  • Brandon Sebo
  • Dennis Williamson
  • Jill Schmitz

2001

  • Jamie & Dena Durocher
  • Chad Ready
  • Chris Trocinske
  • Charlie Steyer
  • Doug Collister
  • Jill Schmitz
  • Keith Miller
  • Kevin & Connie Peter
  • Linda Smith
  • Sarah (Kohlmeyer) Dohnalik
  • Theresa Jacobs

2002

  • Jamie & Dena Durocher
  • Chad Ready
  • Chris Trocinske
  • Charlie Steyer
  • Doug Collister
  • Jim Stussy
  • Kevin & Connie Peter
  • Keith Miller
  • Linda & Dan Smith
  • Mike Doering
  • Mike Dohnalik
  • Patricia Harlos
  • Sarah (Kohlmeyer) Dohnalik
  • Theresa Jacobs

2003

  • Chad Ready
  • Keith Miller
  • Mike & Sarah Dohnalik
  • Charlie Steyer
  • Linda & Dan Smith
  • Chris Trocinske
  • Teresa Jacobs
  • Mike Doering
  • Connie & Kevin Peter
  • Natalie Gysland
  • Chad Fortsch
  • Amy Lorenz
  • Jackie Lam

2004

  • Chad Ready
  • Keith Miller
  • Mike Doering
  • Amy Lorenz
  • Michael Dohnalik
  • Chris & Chad Fortsch
  • Natalie Gysland
  • Jacky Lam
  • Carmaine Sturino

2005

  • Mike Doering
  • Amy & Chris Lorenz
  • Carmaine Strurino
  • Chad & Natalie Ready
  • Jacky Lam

2006

  • Mike Doering
  • Chris & Chad Fortsch
  • Amy & Chris Lorenz
  • Jacky Lam
  • Mike Dohnalik
  • Julie Arney
  • Tamra Liebsch
  • Allison Conrad
  • Hannah Naleid

2007

  • Mike Dohnalik
  • Julie Arney
  • Jacky Lam
  • Tamra Liebsch
  • Chris & Amy Lorenz
  • Sarah Dohnalik
  • Judy Storlie
  • Deb White
  • Shelly Soper
  • Eileen Krenz
  • Ann Conrad

2008

  • Mike & Sarah Dohnalik
  • Shelly Soper
  • Judy Storlie
  • Eileen Krenz
  • Julie Arney
  • Tamra Liebsch
  • Deb White
  • Lenys Hill
  • Kristin Fee

2009

  • Tamra Liebsch
  • Shelly Soper
  • Judy Storlie
  • Lenys Hill
  • Sarah Severson
  • Keri Clements
  • Julie Arney
  • Molly Ronnenberg

2010

  • Lenys Hill
  • Sarah Severson
  • Judy Storlie
  • Molly Ronnenberg
  • Gary Hill
  • Carolyn Bostrack
  • Mary O”Reilly
  • had Fortsch
  • Mike Dohnalik
  • Chad Fortsch

2011

  • Sarah Severson
  • Chad Fortsch
  • Kelli Holliday
  • Kelly Hafner
  • Paul Hafner
  • Mary O”Reilly
  • Julie Arney
  • Jenny Hagen

2012

  • Julie Arney
  • Chad Fortsch
  • Mary O’Reilly
  • Kelli Holliday
  • Jenny Hagen
  • Tim Klug
  • Maria Henry
  • Angie Rudert
  • Angie Niebling
  • Tyler Miller

2013

  • Mary Lehrman
  • Kelli Holliday
  • Ryan & Annikki Holliday
  • Angie Rudert
  • April Wright
  • Angie Niebling

2014

  • Mary Lehrman
  • Mike Doering
  • Angie Rudert
  • April Wright
  • Verissa Jonsgaard
  • Kandice Larson
  • Shannon Stremcha
  • Tammy Stremcha
  • Miranda Wolfe

2015

  • Mike Doering
  • Angie Rudert
  • April Wright
  • Verissa Jonsgaard
  • Kandice Larson
  • Shannon Stremcha
  • Tammy Stremcha
  • Miranda Wolfe
  • Josh Podlena
  • Scott Stuber
  • Linda DiMicelli

2016

  • April Wright
  • Angie Rudert
  • Verissa Jonsgaard
  • Kandice Larson
  • Shannon Stremcha
  • Tammy Stremcha
  • Shannon Nation
  • Bridget O’Connell
  • Leanne James
  • Meghan Schossow

2017

  • Verissa Jonsgaard
  • Shannon Stremcha
  • Tammy Stremcha
  • Samantha Nation
  • Bridget O’Connell
  • Meghan Schossow
  • Dr. Jennifer Pintz
  • Sarah Bloom
  • Ashley Shimshak
  • Dennis Gross
  • Trever Harwell

2018

  • Verissa Jonsgaard
  • Shannon Stremcha
  • Tammy Stemcha
  • Meghan Schossow
  • Bridget O’Connell
  • Samantha Nation
  • Sarah Bloom
  • Dennis Gross
  • Trever Harwell
  • Jill Morken
  • Kandice Larson
  • Angie Rudert

2019

  • Shannon Stremcha
  • Meghan Schossow
  • Sarah Bloom
  • Bridget O’Connell
  • Jill Morken
  • Tammy Stremcha
  • Samantha Nation
  • Dennis Gross
  • Trever Harwell
  • Stacy Reed
  • Christina Ives
  • Rachel Brown

2020

  • Bridget O’Connell
  • Jill Morken
  • Sarah Bloom
  • Samantha Boldt
  • Rachel Brown
  • Stacy Reed
  • Christina Ives
  • Rachel Brown
  • Patrick Robbins
  • Dee Joiner
  • Megan McPeters

2021

  • Meghan Schossow
  • Jill Morken
  • Sarah Bloom
  • Bridget O’Connell
  • Samantha Boldt
  • Rachel Brown
  • Mandi Lenser
  • Taylor Gile
  • Brandon Bird
  • Lisa Mikkelson
  • Sarah Schumacher

 

2022

  • Mandi Lenser
  • Trever Harwell
  • Sarah Bloom
  • Lisa Mikkelson
  • Christina Ives
  • Kailey Wieser
  • Justine Vanderzee
  • David Vanderzee

2023

  • Mandi Lenser
  • Trever Harwell
  • Justine Vanderzee
  • Kailey Wieser
  • David Vanderzee
  • Christina Ives
  • Lucas Wieser
  • Robin Wieser
  • Vickie Bakalars
  • Amy Schuster
  • Ryan Deicher
  • Heather Stokely
  • Meagan Waddell
  • Kim Czechowicz
  • Kathy Thoen

2024

  • Robin Wieser
  • Justine Vanderzee
  • Kailey Wieser
  • Amy Schuster
  • David Vanderzee
  • Trever Harwell
  • Lucas Wieser
  • Vickie Bakalars
  • Kim Czechowicz
  • Ryan Deicher
  • Heather Stokely
  • Kathy Thoen
  • Marie Heath
  • Heather Barak
  • Lisa Matile
  • Hannah Hogan
  • Allie Benish

 

Royalty

Note: The first name in bold at the top of each year was Miss La Crescent for that term..

1949

  • Donna (Lintelman) Reihl
  • JoAnne (Benson) Hauser
  • Lenora (Beach) Jorstad
  • Jackie (Jones) Levine
  • Virginia (Gittens) Dockweiler
  • Mary Lou (Kuehn) Albrecht
  • Lois (Lintelman) Machutt
  • Elaine (Moore) Kohlwey
  • Zeta (Oldenberg) Huerkamp

1950

  • Virginia (Oldenburg) Huerkamp
  • Rosemary Loechler
  • Annette Kelly
  • Zeta (Oldenberg) Huerkamp
  • Josephine Wieser

1951

  • Jacqueline (Jones) Levine
  • La Vina Cass
  • Cynthia (Welch) Good
  • Virginia (Gittens) Dockweiler
  • JoAnne (Anderson) Moore
  • Barbara Dahlquist
  • Jeanette (Weist) Shephardson

1952

  • Joanne (Anderson) Moore
  • Lavina Cass
  • Virginia (Gittens) Dockweiler

1953

  • Pauline (Kragness) McCue
  • Rhoda Abnet
  • Joyce Kletzke
  • Virginia (Gittens) Dockweiler
  • Lois Johnson
  • Shirley Deschner
  • Margie Rieck

1954

  • Lois (Johnson) Morcomb
  • Rhoda Abnet
  • Irene Slama
  • Emaline Pehler
  • Ann Wera

1955

  • Rose Mary (Wieser) Feuerhelm
  • Corrine (Hafner) Martell
  • JoAnn (Timm) Aamodt
  • Leone Hart
  • Janelle Westberg

1956

  • Rose Mary (Tschumper) Doyle
  • Roseann Mades
  • Geraldine Scheil
  • Elizabeth Erickson
  • Judy Wallace

1957

  • Jo Ann (Timm) Aamott
  • Elizabeth (Erickson) Heberlein
  • Sandra Barg
  • Pat Rudishel
  • Judy Wittenberg
  • Roseann Abnet
  • Judy Wallace

1958

  • Elizabeth (Erickson) Heberlein
  • Carol Herde
  • Margie Nelson
  • Judy Wittenberg
  • Theresa (Blechinger) Miller
  • Helen Craig
  • Sharon Engler

1959

  • Clydene (Meindel) Williams

1960

  • Maureen (Shannon) Lindsay
  • Donna Wallace
  • Patricia McGrath

1961

  • Vicki (Dawes) Schroeder
  • Katy (Moore) Langen
  • Clydene Hilgenberg

1962

  • Sylvia (Beyer) Mosier
  • Jenny Lou Ott
  • Kathy Leidel

1963

  • Christine Haupert
  • Karen McCaffrey
  • LaLonne Kelley
  • Linda Holthaus
  • Sherry (Grodevant) Flatten

1964

  • Pat (Wiemerslage) Ryan
  • Sheila Scoville
  • Joanne Storandt
  • Ann Sherry
  • Esther Mormann

1965

  • Barb J. Olson
  • Sharon (Matthews) Mosher
  • Mary Chris (Stejskal) Reiman
  • Joan Layland
  • Linda Swendiman

1966

  • Janet (Waldow) Miller
  • Mary Justin
  • Sue Strizic
  • Theresa (Gilles) Walters
  • Barbara Jensen
  • Jeanne Hafner

1967

  • Susan (Prost) Thiess
  • Ellen (Gerth) Mades
  • Edee Dissmore
  • Linda Gram
  • Jane Underhill
  • Barb (Hogan) Newhouse
  • Sue Thesing

1968

  • Stephanie (Gilman) Franzose
  • Barb Koeller
  • Toni Mickschl
  • Judy (Mueller) Thesing
  • Nancy Wagner
  • Diane Hahn

1969

  • Nancy (Reihl) Seiler
  • Nancy Dobbs
  • Sue Harlos
  • Sue (Czechowicz) Boyer
  • Vicki Dissmore

1970

  • Judy (Ganrude) Kasid
  • Ellen Olson
  • Becky Gile
  • Kathy (Kreibich) Brinkman
  • Debbie (Kathan) Bushek

1971

  • Kathy (Bennett) Scwanke
  • Becky Westby
  • Vicki Witt
  • Ruth Haltner

1972

  • Karen Bennett
  • Debby Olson
  • Mickey (Sandvik) Hall
  • Heidi Humburg
  • Diane (Veglahn) Thorsen

1973

  • Renee Hahn
  • Betty Jamois
  • Kay (Voss) Truax
  • Debbie Zessin
  • Debbie Ziebell

1974

  • Liz Von Arx
  • Julie Hagel
  • Lucida Knutson
  • Sandy Christianson
  • Kathy Justin

1975

  • Susan Brown
  • Lori Koljord
  • Barbara Breuer
  • Cheryl Hepful
  • Bernadette (Wieser) Mccormick

1976

  • Kris (Moen) Harring
  • Renee Meyer
  • Kathy Jambois
  • Danette (Durnan) Jacob

1977

  • Charlotte Bigelow
  • Kendra Welch
  • Liz Munson
  • Nancy Dahl

1978

  • Kim (Williams) Karr
  • Nancy (Jambois) Hurley
  • Deborah (Plenge) Brostrom
  • Sue Stotesbery

1979

  • Robin (Grimes) Minegar
  • Maureen Welch
  • Kathryn Bissen
  • Lori Marmsoler

1980

  • Kristen Boehm
  • Lisa Wicklund
  • Mary (Brostrom) Jore
  • Margret Brewster

1981

  • Ann Hughes
  • Lisa Helgerson
  • Jamila Boutri
  • Sharon (Petersen) Schmelzer

1982

  • Nancy (La Rue) Larson
  • Vicki Henderson
  • Kathy Hergst
  • Pam Wiedman

1983

  • Jody (Ellis) Murphy
  • Lori (Carlson) McKenzie
  • Trisha Bauer
  • Shirley Petersen

1984

  • Amy (Pratt) Timander
  • Laura (Lorenz) Jorstad
  • Jean (Poellinger) Cesarone

1985

  • Ann Marie (Adams) Schoenberger
  • Kathee (Burr) Ruben
  • Brenda (Rogich) Alderman

1986

  • Jody (Baldner) Lyons
  • Laurie (Schuldt) Schwartz
  • Karen (Schlangen) Steele
  • Michele (Nordorf) Allen

1987

  • Angela (Netzer) Barton
  • Angela (Dahlby) Barclay
  • Tanya Overhouse
  • Sheila (Gile) Ehlers

1988

  • Kimberly (Nissalke) Ingram
  • Michelle (Wieser) Maurer
  • Jean (Schwartzhoff) Holman
  • Tammy Jo (Graf) Kolen

1989

  • Maxine Pick
  • Shelly (Nelson) Grothe
  • Kitty Nordoft
  • Kay (Klawitter) Valentine

1990

  • Angela (Albrecht) Elsen
  • Nikki (Bahr) Horihan
  • Amy (Dyrhaug) Gautsch
  • Sarah (DeLacy) Danielson

1991

  • Amy Jo (Humfeld) Haefs
  • Angi (Wilde) McAndrews
  • Tanya (Lehmann) Skemp
  • Stephanie (Pitel) Lamb

1992

  • Jennifer Evenson
  • Kristin Skifton
  • Beth (Birkby) Thompson
  • Toni (Feran) Von Arx

1993

  • Gwen (Clausen) Schroeder
  • Jessica (Ross) Karls
  • Melissa Peterson
  • Sarah (Nielsen) Riess

1994

  • Dena (Doering) Durocher
  • Karen Frie
  • Stacie (Thesing) Meyer
  • Julie (Larsen) Maes

1995

  • Sara Schaefer
  • Meridee Braun
  • Katie (Wieser) Miller
  • Janet (Hauke) Kuehl

1996

  • Kate (Krenzke) Tande
  • Christie (Lyman) Rosckes
  • Kara (Schoh) Tarrence
  • Danielle (Fuchsel) Swedberg

1997

  • Annie Holland
  • Sarah Mueller
  • Kate (Puczko) Shillin
  • Carla Meyer

1998

  • Katie Heilman
  • Sylvia Gomez
  • Gina Nelson
  • Theresa Tschumper

1999

  • Molly Ronnenberg
  • Jenni Weisbrod
  • Lindsey Smith
  • Kay Swenson

2000

  • Suzanne Patterson
  • Jessica Hobelsberger
  • Erin (Munk) Benz

2001

  • Jolene Harlos
  • Laura Bergstrom
  • Jackie Wieser
  • Jessica Pongratz

2002

  • Caitlin Breuer
  • Amanda Mickschl
  • Lindsy Conrad
  • Sarah Thesing

2003

  • Melissa Geiwitz
  • Miranda Marks
  • Kelsey Reschke
  • Heidi Geronime

2004

  • Rebecca Yerhot
  • Sarah Rackers
  • Cat Polivoda
  • Megan Dingfelder

2005

  • Maria White
  • Emily Trnka
  • Beth Conrad
  • Tracey Thorsness

2006

  • Ellen Poeschel
  • Katie Curran
  • Katie O’Reilly
  • Nikki Baumgartner
  • Meghan Scheibel

2007

  • Olivia Sweeney
  • Allison Benish
  • Tina Freese
  • Paige Wandling

2008

  • Brianna Hanson
  • Katie Novak
  • Kristen O’Reilly
  • Leah Spagl -Spirit of the Fest

2009

  • Mallery Schoen
  • Bryn Trisler
  • Megan Wolf (2nd Princess and Spirit of the Fest)

2010

  • Lydia Brewster
  • Kaylen Knutson
  • Caryle Guzman

2011

  • Anna Skemp
  • Annie Jackson
  • Ellie Bergstedt

2012

  • Megan Bush
  • Miranda Norman
  • Bridget Krage

2013

  • Kayla Lichthardt
  • Kylie Bridwell
  • Cassidy Woods
  • Ammie Jergensen-Spirit of Fest

2014

  • Allison Stoeffler
  • Anna White
  • Radhika Edpuganti

2015

  • Emily Shepardson
  • Mikayla Goff
  • Aby Lambert

2016

  • Lexie Rosendahl
  • Becca Covey
  • Morgan Cardosi

2017

  • Natalie Elsen
  • Emma Booth
  • Paige Jansen

2018

  • Kori Baer
  • Paige Pasvogel
  • Kaylee Pogodzinski
  • Harley Furlong

2019

  • Maddi Schick
  • Sidney Miller

2020

  • Maddie Danielson
  • Abby Cuhel
  • Nadeen Hill 

 

2021

  • MaryMartin
  • Jenna Langen

 

2022

  • Kiersten Bakalars
  • Kaitlyn Miller
  • Nicole Rudert

2023

  • Kamryn Jorgenson
  • Emma Osley
  • Maycee Hill, Spirit of the Fest

2024

  • Keira Kline
  • Addison Tarrence
  • Ashley Erdmann

 

 

Parade Marshals

  • 1991 Sylvester “Lefty” Krajewski
  • 1992 Richard “Dick” Gasper
  • 1993 Al Wieser Sr.
  • 1994 George Horihan
  • 1995 Mike Mishler
  • 1996 Joe Ready
  • 1997 Carol Leidel
  • 1998 Mike Poellinger
  • 1999 Bill Crail
  • 2000 Robert “BJ” Schiltz
  • 2001 Nels Anderson
  • 2002 Joanie Smith
  • 2003 Jamie Durocher
  • 2004 Jerry & Mary Kolb
  • 2005 Julie Arney
  • 2006 Sarah Dohnalik
  • 2007 John & Mary Lou Engler
  • 2008 John Schuldt
  • 2009 Bernie Buehler
  • 2010 Chad Ready
  • 2011 Chris “Trocinske” Fortsch
  • 2012 Mike Doering
  • 2013 Kevin Gittens
  • 2014 Bob and Teresa Ratigan
  • 2015 Mike Dohnalik
  • 2016 Barb Gile
  • 2017 Bill Schmitz
  • 2018 Mary O’Reilly
  • 2019 Greg Stremcha
  • 2020 Gary Weaver
  • 2021 Nancy Kohlmeyer
  • 2022 Angie Rudert
  • 2023 Doug Steavenau
  • 2024 Verissa Jonsgaard

Man and Woman of the Year

  • 1960 Ralph Kuehn
  • 1961 William DuMond
  • 1962 Ralph Jones
  • 1963 Charles “Chap” Gavin
  • 1964 L.W. Gittens
  • 1965 Bud Yeiter
  • 1966 Dallas Ames
  • 1967 John Zlabek
  • 1968 Winston Reider
  • 1969 Clarence Vetch
  • 1970 Robert Heth
  • 1971 Earl Seaton
  • 1972 Victor Leidel
  • 1973 Sid Scoville
  • 1974 Keith Deyo & Cynthia Good
  • 1975 Gordon Yates & Marti Sandvik
  • 1976 Mac Dahl & Betty Kathan
  • 1977 Robert Miller & Jody Howe
  • 1978 Jack Welch & Susie Davis
  • 1979 Dave Willetts & Nancy Willetts
  • 1980 Dave Schroeder & Judy Ulland
  • 1981 Rev. Duane Baardseth & Evelyn Morley
  • 1982 Don Buchan & Katy Langen
  • 1983 Al Wieser Sr. & Jeanette Graf
  • 1984 Bernie Buehler & Margueritte Meyer
  • 1985 Dick Kathan & Betty Waldow
  • 1986 Larry Monge & Sheila Kablert
  • 1987 Bill McDonald & Sande Prytarski
  • 1988 Greg Abnet & Irene Hurm
  • 1989 Dan Frosch & Jackie Pitel
  • 1990 Dick Wieser & Shelia Wieser
  • 1991 Fred Meyer & Nancy Listiak
  • 1992 Mike Limberg & Bobbie Bringe
  • 1993 Ed Masewicz & Char Masewicz
  • 1994 Merle “Doc” Holiday & Karen Olson
  • 1995 Dan Wellendorf & Colleen Burns
  • 1996 Mike Poellinger & Beverly Jiardina
  • 1997 Mike Albrecht & Rosanne Buehler
  • 1998 Duane Zenke & Lois Zenke
  • 1999 Tom Fuchsel & Nancy Kohlmeyer
  • 2000 John Graf & Rose Albrecht
  • 2001 Steve Mau & Margeen Mau
  • 2002 Jay Friedl & Judie Dickson
  • 2003 John Schuldt & Cecelia Horn
  • 2004 Bob Pitel & Millie Frie
  • 2005 Marti Welch & Sue Jorgenson
  • 2006 Gary Weaver & Lois Hund
  • 2007 Mike & Anne Trnka
  • 2008 Dewey Severson & Mary Grattan
  • 2009 Pat & Joanie Smith
  • 2010 Dutch Voss & Sigrid Mueller
  • 2011 Dan Heth & Martha Meyer
  • 2012 Joanne Koeller
  • 2013 Hoyt & Cheryl Zenke
  • 2014 Sy Fix & Sarah Dohnalik
  • 2015 Leo Chaput & Summer Niemeier
  • 2016 Joe Thesing & Eileen Krenz
  • 2017 Gary Beardmore & Ruth Berns
  • 2018 Frank Van Lin SR & Cathy Beardmore
  • 2019 Pete Hogan & Therese Przytarski
  • 2020 Robert Hafner & Mary Ann Ekern
  • 2021 Dr. Peter Franta & Cheryl Franta
  • 2022 Mark “Abe” Abraham & Cassie Jo Buehler
  • 2023 Mike Ryan & Judy Lehmann