Visiting Dignitaries
2025 Visiting Festivals and Dignitary Events
Welcome, dignitaries! We are delighted to learn of your interest in attending the 2025 La Crescent Applefest celebration.
This year we will be hosting the following events for our visiting royalty groups as part of the 2025 celebration. There are four paid events, the La Crosse Queen Boat Ride (on Friday September 19th), Make & Take Charcuterie Class by Hunt and Gather, President’s Reception, and Miss La Crescent Coronation (all on Saturday September 20th).
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 for adults and $15 for children 11 and under.
Make & Take Charcuterie Class by Hunt and Gather
Get hands on with flavor and fun at this Make & Take Charcuterie Class, presented by Hunt and Gather. Learn how to put together your own tasty and colorful charcuterie board using fresh, seasonal ingredients – perfect to take home and enjoy. It’s a delicious activity for food lovers of all ages! Price for this event is $40.
President’s Reception
Join us on Saturday at 4pm for a special invitation from Applefest President, Allie Benish, to the 2025 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 2025 Man & Woman of the year and Miss La Crescent and her court. Price for this event is $20, 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 21st, our 2024 Miss La Crescent, Keira Kline, 1st Princess Addison Tarrence, and 2nd Princess Ashley Erdmann and their families invite you to congratulate and visit with the 2025 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 77th 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 77th Applefest!
~ The 2025 Board of Directors
2025 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: hospitality@applefestusa.com
Accomodations for Out of Town Guests
Best Western Plus La Crescent
We are partnering with them again this year!
We have arranged for a block of rooms at the Best Western in La Crescent. There are six (6) King rooms available at $129 per night (plus tax) and six (6) Double Queen rooms at $139 per night (plus tax). To reserve a room, please call 507-895-1001 and reference the Applefest block.
Gundersen Hotel & Suites
Gundersen Hotel & Suites La Crosse, WI
Located in La Crosse, WI, just a short 10 minute drive from La Crescent, Gundersen has reserved a block of ten (10) rooms for Applefest attendees. The rate is $139 per night (plus tax). Please contact the hotel directly at 608-793-0200 and mention the Applefest block to make your reservation.
We highly recommend booking your accommodations as soon as possible, as availability is limited. Please note that the room blocks will expire on September 1st. We look forward to welcoming you to the 2025 La Crescent Applefest celebration!