Visiting Dignitaries
2023 Visiting Dignitaries List of Events
As we prepare for the 75th Annual La Crescent Apple Festival, we look back on the friendships we have developed over the years and look forward to forging new bonds and making new friends. It is in this spirit that we cordially invite you to attend our 2023 festival in La Crescent, Minnesota, taking place September 15th through the 17th. Dignitary events for the weekend include:
La Crosse Queen Boat Ride
The Applefest Board of Directors and the 2023 Royalty invite you to join them for a sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River aboard the La Crosse Queen on Friday, September 15th. Our guide will explain facts and trivia of the historical and present day river, and highlight local points of interest. Food and refreshments will be provided.
Escape Room / Axe Throwing
Part scavenger hunt and part puzzle, it’s time to test your teamwork in one of three escape rooms! Success, failure, and bonding are inevitable, but escape is not! After that, we’ll channel our inner lumberjack and have on-site “Axe-perts” coach us on throwing axes! Don’t worry, this experience is designed with safety in mind, so come prepared to have a good time! This event takes place on Saturday, September 16th.
President’s Reception
Applefest President, Mandi Lenser invites you to join her at the Swing Bridge Pub in La Crescent for our 2023 President’s Reception on Saturday, September 16th. This is a great opportunity for all visiting dignitaries and royalty to gather for fellowship with friends both old and new. Food, lemonade, and water will be provided, and other drinks will be available for purchase.
Miss La Crescent Coronation
Following the President’s Reception, coronation will take place at the La Crescent Fine Arts Center. This event is a highlight of the Applefest weekend, with the recognition of the visiting royalty and other local dignitaries. We also reveal our 2023 Man and Woman of the Year and crown our new Miss La Crescent and her court.
Miss La Crescent Queen’s Tea
On Sunday, September 17th, our 2023 Miss La Crescent, Kiersten Bakalars, her court, Kaitlyn Miller and Nicole Ruddert, and their families invite you to congratulate and visit with the 2023 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 75th 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 75th Anniversary of Applefest!
~ The 2023 Board of Directors
Contact information
If you have any questions, please reach out to: