LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) - The inaugural Oktoberfest was first celebrated over 200 years ago in Munich, Germany in 1810 in honor of Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese Von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

In present day, many American cities now celebrate the annual tradition, like La Crosse, where many people were sporting Lederhosen and beer when they came to the Oktoberfest grounds for their 64th annual celebration.

La Crosse Public Library Archivist Scott Brouwer says the city’s Oktoberfest is the longest running in the Midwest and one of the longest in the United States.

“In 1960, civic leaders were considering trying to develop a new city-wide celebration event. They hadn’t had one in the city of La Crosse since the winter carnival in the 1920s. They heard that G. Heileman Brewing C

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