Celebrating fest in style

Oktoberfest is a time for partying, parades, keg stands, flags, suspender, and t-shirts? Yes, t-shirts. It has become a tradition around the city of La Crosse, more specifically on campus at UW-La Crosse to wear an Oktoberfest shirt supporting your festing pride. Students all over campus make Facebook groups and even pages depicting the style of their t-shirt and promoting people to buy them. Notifications about these shirts spread like wildfire over the summer months in anticipation of the two week long celebration.

This year Kristen Burke, a student at UW-L was one of the t-shirt designers. She and her boyfriend collaborated on the design. Their slogan for the shirts being "If the river was liquor, we'd drink that too." Keeping it along the drinking lines but also making it relevant to the city of La Crosse. "The process was a lot of fun! We wanted to think of something original and kind of catchy," said Burke.

Most shirts this year are coming in a wide variety of options, leaving it up to the buyer to choose which color they want. These eye-popping colors are bound to stand out amongst the masses for the next few weeks. Not only will the shirts be making their debut this weekend, but the "trucker hats" will as well. Also coming in a variety of colors and fun slogans these hats will be seen all over the city. Some students even like to go so far as to purchase drinking gloves. They keep your hands nice and toasty while your drinking a cold brew.

Shirts are also sold from a variety of different companys outside of campus. They truly are an essential piece to the Oktoberfest experience.

"It's always fun to see the new shirts every year, and to switch off shirts with your friends," said Sophomore Molly Reimers. "It's something to look forward to." Upperclassman Justin Kurth enjoys reminicing the good old days by dusting off his past Oktoberfest shirts and sporting them around town. Over the years the demand for Oktoberfest shirts has skyrocketed. Even from last year there is a definite change in the popularity of these festive gems. Even students who don't go to La Crosse are coming from out of town to join in on the festivities, including the purchasing of shirts and hats.

Students are crossing off their calendars and counting the days until the Fest begins. This week is when most are running out and obtaining these shirts that will hang in their closet with eager anticipation until Friday night. Or Thursday, for those who like to jumpstart the festivities. Burke is especially looking forward to "seeing everyone walk around in her t-shirts!" So, put away those schoolbooks, grab your party hats, slip on your stylish new shirts and get ready to have a memorable two weeks.