The Festmeister and Festmeisterin serve as official ambassadors of both the Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest and the community. More than symbolic titles, these roles honor individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the event and the community, and who exemplify the warmth, hospitality, and tradition at the heart of this cherished celebration.
Announced with fanfare at the iconic Leinenkugel Brewery on the first day of the festival, the couple officially kicks off the Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest procession, leading to the festival grounds at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, and performs the ceremonial tapping of the Golden Keg. As embodiments of Gemütlichkeit, current and past Festmeisters share good cheer, warmly welcome visitors, and proudly showcase the deep cultural ties between Chippewa Falls and its German heritage.
Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest Festmeisters include:
2003 Bill & Nancy Febry
2004 Jerry & Mary Jacobson
2005 Gary & Carol Gienapp
2006 George & Kathy Roberts
2007 Dick & Karen Hebert
2008 Dale & Mary Zwiefelhofer
2009 Tim & Carrie Leis
2010 Dave & Mary Olson
2011 Dave & Kathy Boisvert
2012 Jake & Peggy Leinenkugel
2013 Dean & Betty White
2014 Mark & Kim Broses
2015 Jeff & Lynne Newton
2016 Ian & Wendy Kopp
2017 Darren & Kim Senn
2018 Mike & Barb Tzanakis
2019 Steve & Jill Herriges
2020 – No Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest
2021 Jerry & Mary Kuehl
2022 Jeff & Patti Darley
2023 Scott & Wendy Sullivan
2024 Mike & Lisa Stoffel
2025 To be announced September 19, 2025