Winter Carnival

(written by Megan, Archives staff)

In January 1921 La Crosse held the “first annual” Winter Carnival. Another was held the next year. 

The Winter Carnival included a “big outdoor frolic” of sports and athletic events like skating, skiing, tobogganing, curling, ice horse races and skating exhibitions. Also part of the festivities were parades made up of floats (decorated cars and trucks) and marching groups.

Swan float in 1922

La Crosse Rubber Mills float in 1922

The four day event was overseen by a King and a Queen.

The local newspaper called the Winter Carnival “a huge success” but another one was not held after 1922.

For more La Crosse history information come down to the La Crosse Public Library Archives.