Visiting Dignitaries

2024 Visiting Festivals and Dignitary Events

Welcome, dignitaries! We are delighted to learn of your interest in attending the 2024 La Crescent Applefest celebration.

This year we will be hosting the following events for our visiting royalty groups as part of the 2024 celebration. There are four paid events, the La Crosse Queen Boat Ride (on Friday September 20th), Apple Arts & Cookie Decorating, President’s Reception, and Miss La Crescent Coronation (all on Saturday September 21st).

La Crosse Queen Boat Ride

Come aboard the La Crosse Queen Friday at 5:30pm with the Applefest Board of Directors and the 2024 Royalty for a sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River. Our guide will share fascinating facts and trivia about the river’s history and present day, and highlight local points of interest. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Price for this event is $25.

Apple Arts & Cookie Decorating

Come and be a part of an exciting event hosted by two talented local artists on Saturday morning from 9am-11am! Dive into creativity with two apple-themed crafts, including a customizable tote bag. Plus, enjoy decorating a few delicious homemade cookies to your heart’s content. Don’t miss out on this fun and tasty experience! Price for this event is $35.

President’s Reception

Join us on Saturday at 4pm for a special invitation from Applefest President, Robin Wieser, to the 2024 President’s Reception at Swing Bridge Pub in La Crescent. This gathering is a wonderful opportunity for visiting dignitaries and royalty to come together for fellowship. We will provide food, one drink ticket, lemonade, and water, with additional beverages available for purchase. Price for this event is $60.

Miss La Crescent Coronation

At 7pm on Saturday, join us for the coronation ceremony at the La Crescent Fine Arts Center, a cherished highlight of the Applefest weekend. Witness the announcement of visiting royalty and esteemed local dignitaries, along with the crowning of the 2024 Man & Woman of the year and Miss La Crescent and her court. Price for this event is $25, and includes an Applefest button (which grants you entry to the King Apple Tent at the Fest Grounds for the entire weekend).

Miss La Crescent Queen’s Tea

On Sunday, September 22nd, our 2024 Miss La Crescent, Kamryn Jorgenson, Princess, Emma Osley, and their families invite you to congratulate and visit with the 2024 Applefest Royal Court. The Queen’s Tea is held at the Church of Crucifixion School in La Crescent, from 10:30am until 12:00pm. Food, drink and merriment will be provided, with a group picture being taken at approximately 11:30am.

King Apple Parade

Following the Queen’s Tea is the 76th Annual Applefest King Apple Grande Parade. Immediately following the parade, join the Board of Directors at the King Apple Tent and enjoy a performance from our Ambassadors of Song: the Apple Annies! This is a perfect end to a great weekend celebrating good times with good friends.

If you are a past or current member of a Royal Family, please fill out this form and return to the address or email listed on the form to sign up for our Dignitary Events!

We look forward to seeing you all at the 76th Applefest!

~ The 2024 Board of Directors

2024 Package Info & Registration Form

NEW THIS YEAR! Pay for your selected package online by visiting Visiting Festival Package Purchase Fee.

If you have any questions, please reach out to: secretary@applefestusa.com

 

FREE Apple Orchard Tours on Saturday, September 21st.
Click the image below for more information and to sign up!

Accomodations for Out of Town Guests

Best Western Plus La Crescent

Best Western La Crescent

Best Western Plus at La Crescent Event Center - MN

Call the hotel directly to at (507)895-1001 to reserve your room.

Gundersen Hotel & Suites

Gundersen Hotel & Suites La Crosse, WI

Gundersen Hotel & Suites in La Crosse Wisconsin is a Hotel for Everyone

To accommodate our visitors, we have partnered with Gundersen Hotel and Suites, conveniently situated in La Crosse, WI, just a brief 10-minute drive from La Crescent. For the nights of Friday September 20th and Saturday September 21st, Gundersen Hotel and Suites has reserved eleven (11) rooms exclusively for Applefest attendees at a rate of $119 per night (plus tax). To secure your accommodation, please call the hotel directly at 608-793-0200 and specify that you are reserving as part of the Applefest block. We encourage you to book your rooms promptly, as availability is limited. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2024 La Crescent Applefest celebration!