Special parking fee charged at ramps during Oktoberfest

Thousands of visitors are expected for Oktoberfest, beginning Thursday.

It’s one of La Crosse’s biggest events each year. It could also be a windfall for the local economy.

One way Oktoberfest brings in money is a special $10 event fee to use the downtown parking ramps.

Greg Elsen, the coordinator for the city parking utility, says drivers should watch for the “no parking” signs on streets along the Maple Leaf and Torchlight parade routes.

The special event fee at the ramps begins Thursday morning.

Elsen says some drivers are exempt from the fee — those who already have paid for ramp permits.

The special fee for Oktoberfest has been collected in previous years.