1966: A wild La Crosse Oktoberfest 

Lawmakers' security funding

How big is La Crosse's Maple Leaf parade

The year the city of La Crosse wanted to change the drinking age for a weekend. 

That was one of three topics discussed with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky. We also hit on taxpayer money for state lawmaker home and personal security — a reaction from the Charlie Kirk assassination. Lastly, we talked about how huge La Crosse’s Maple Leaf Parade is, compared to the rest of the U.S.

But first, the year 1966 and a rowdy Oktoberfest weekend — that included a phrase we use now, “outside agitators.”

The solution to a drunken Oktoberfest that year in La Crosse from city leaders was to change the drinking age from 18 to 21 for the event the next year. What they did, though, turned out to be a much worse idea.

After that, we dove into politics and how Wisconsin state government is discussing handling security for lawmakers after the Charlie Kirk assassination. We discuss how both state and federal lawmakers are looking for taxpayer money for personal and home security. We argue how and who should be eligible for such funding.

Lastly, with an estimated 100,000-120,000 headed to La Crosse for Saturday’s Maple Leaf Parade, we compare it to others across the country, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City. 

The year the city of La Crosse wanted to change the drinking age for a weekend.&nbsp;
That was one of three topics discussed with UW-La Crosse political science professor, Dr. Anthony Chergosky. We also hit on taxpayer money for state lawmaker home and personal security &mdash; a reaction from the Charlie Kirk assassination. Lastly, we talked about how huge La Crosse&rsquo;s Maple Leaf Parade is, compared to the rest of the U.S.
But first, the year 1966 and a rowdy Oktoberfest weekend &mdash; that included a phrase we use now, &ldquo;outside agitators.&rdquo;
The solution to a drunken Oktoberfest that year in La Crosse from city leaders was to change the drinking age from 18 to 21 for the event the next year. What they did, though, turned out to be a much worse idea.
After that, we dove into politics and how Wisconsin state government is discussing handling security for lawmakers after the Charlie Kirk assassination. We discuss how both state and federal lawmakers are looking for taxpayer money for personal and home security. We argue how and who should be eligible for such funding.
Lastly, with an estimated 100,000-120,000 headed to La Crosse for Saturday&rsquo;s Maple Leaf Parade, we compare it to others across the country, like the Macy&rsquo;s Thanksgiving Parade in New York City.&nbsp;

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.