Gemütlichkeit Foundation

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Forks & Corks

Forks & Corks 2027 Event Details

Thursday, June 3, 2027
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location to be determined

High angle of tasty salad made of fresh vegetables and green herbs placed on table with glass of wine in luxury restaurant

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An Evening to Support Local Students

Forks & Corks is the Gemütlichkeit Foundation’s signature fundraising event, bringing the community together for an evening of exceptional food, curated wine pairings, and meaningful impact. Proceeds from the event support scholarships for students from area high schools, expanding educational opportunities for young adults.

Enjoy a thoughtfully designed dining experience, silent and live auctions, and the opportunity to connect with community members and businesses who share a commitment to investing in our future.

We look forward to hosting you!

Food & wine

From the Minds of our Chefs

Hosted at the Radisson Hotel Ballroom, you’ll delight in a five-course small plate culinary experience paired with chef-selected wines. For 2026, the Radisson culinary team has selected the following offerings:

Course 1 – Spain: Prosciutto Crostini – Grilled baguette, prosciutto, sliced pear, arugula, and truffle honey paired with a Miguel Pons Cava Brut.

Course 2 – Japan: Sunomono Salad – Crisp cucumbers, tender shrimp, crunchy bell pepper, cilantro, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame, light soy paired with Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc.

Course 3 – Morocco: Grilled Harissa Spiced Chicken Thigh with Lemon-Herb Yogurt Sauce – Warm spices, garlic, cumin, light heat, cooling yogurt drizzle paired with Fleur De Mer Rose.

Course 4 – Italy: Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib over Creamy Polenta – Slow-braised beef short rib, herb jus, parmesan polenta paired with Campolungo Barbera D’Asti.

Course 5 – France: Chocolate Pot de Crème with Whipped Cream – Rich chocolate custard, vanilla cream, shaved chocolate paired with Taylor Fladgate Lbv Port.

With the move to a new venue, guests will experience a fresh setting. We’re also adding new ways to win prizes throughout the evening, bringing even more energy and engagement beyond the traditional silent and live auctions.

Two elegant wine glasses filled with white wine, captured with a beautiful bokeh effect.

What should I wear?

Think relaxed sophistication, be comfortable, confident…and ready to toast.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Forks & Corks is designed as a multi-course dining experience with a variety of flavors throughout the evening. Due to the structure of the menu, we are unable to accommodate individual dietary requests.

Where can I park once I arrive?

Guests may park in the Radisson Hotel parking lot on 2nd Street. There is also limited street parking near the venue.

What is the schedule?

5:00 PM Social Hour

6:00 PM Dinner, Program & Auctions

6:10 PM 2026 Oktoberfest Button Reveal

Around 8:00 PM Evening Concludes

$1,000 Awards:

Aquinas High School	La Crosse Logan High School
Bangor High School	Melrose – Mindoro High School
Cashton High School	Onalaska High School
De Soto High School	Onalaska Luther High School
Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School	West Salem High School
Holmen High School	Westby High School
La Crescent High School	Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest
La Crosse Central High School

Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!

Sponsor Forks & Corks

Interested in being a 2027sponsor? Please contact us at sponsorship@festfoundation.com for options and other details.

Limited-edition Buttons are collector versions of the official Oktoberfest Button and will be distributed to sponsors at the event following the official Button Reveal ceremony. This is the only way to acquire this special button!

Dramatic capture of red wine being poured into a tilted glass, showcasing elegance and flow.

Forks & Corks

Committee Chairs

Joe Kruse

Co-Chair

Kam-Lin Roswall

Co-Chair