Welcome to the 2024 Blue Star Oktoberfest Parade Information Page! Everything you need to know to have a great weekend of drum corps in La Crosse! September 27-28, 2024
Registration for the parade is quick and easy!
The Oktoberfest Corps is largely made up of Blue Stars alumni and current Blue Stars members; however, we welcome anyone that would like to participate. The event is about getting together, playing some fun music, and having a great time representing the Blue Stars at Oktoberfest!
Sign up for the Blue Stars Alumni Oktoberfest Parade Corps Facebook Group to receive additional information.
What:
Blue Stars Alumni Oktoberfest Parade Corps
Rehearsal:
Friday, September 27
5 pm - 8 pm: Instrument Check Out and Rehearsal
Boot Hill Pub
1501 St Andrew St.
La Crosse, WI 54603
Performance
Saturday, September 28
8:30 am - Meet at Logan Middle School, corner of Sill and Avon
Cost:
The Alumni Corps Committee has determined there are enough barriers to marching the parade and has therefore decided to eliminate the fee to march with us in the parade. We will, however, be accepting donations for those of you that would like to donate.
Performance Attire
Blue Stars Alumni Shirts are available to purchase for $25 each (we now use the same shirt every year). We also have shirts that people can borrow and return if purchasing a shirt is a barrier to participation.
Musicians wear khaki colored shorts or pants - NO JEANS
Guard wear black leggings or capris
Sneakers
Blue Stars Alumni hat (optional, available for purchase)
Equipment:
Brass Players: we have a limited supply of instruments for the parade, so we may need you to bring your own if possible. We will be playing on Bb Trumpets, Baritones, and Tubas and F Mellophones. If you have a G bugle that you want to use, we will provide transcriptions of the music for these instruments. All brass players must wear gloves if using a Blue Stars horn - they will be for sale at check in for $3.00 per pair or 2 pair for $5.00
Battery: We will have access to the Blue Stars percussion equipment. Snares and tenors should bring sticks or purchase at rehearsal. Bass mallets will be provided.
Guard: We will provide flags and rifles for the parade.
Housing
We know lodging can be an issue, as hotels are expensive and go quickly. We have two options for participants (aside from locals staying at their own homes)”
There is a block of rooms that have been secured at the Comfort Inn in Onalaska, WI. Reservation information is provided once you register to participate in the parade.
There is also limited amount of space to stay with marching members that live in La Crosse. If you would like to secure a place with one of them, please let us know.
Celebration After the Parade
Back by popular demand is our after-parade party!! We have booked an amazing space at Capella Performing Arts Building (721 King St.) from 2-4PM. This event will be catered and have a cost of $20 per person. A full bar accepting cash and cards will be also available.
We think you will all agree that this year is going to be the very best ever. If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at alumni@bluestars.org.
