Former La Crosse school principal named 2023 Mrs. Oktoberfest

A former La Crosse school principal joined the Oktoberfest family Saturday. Regina Siegel was named the new Mrs. Oktoberfest for 2023.

Siegel was introduced as the Mrs. O during a banquet at the UW-La Crosse student union, a short distance from Emerson Elementary School, where she served as principal for several years.

She was also a director of pupil services for the school district and now works for Trust Point.

Siegel was surprised by the news, when she was told of the Oktoberfest honor this spring.

“I was in shock, and I feel like I have been every moment since,” she said.

The new Mrs. O gave credit to the women who have held the title before her, dating back to the 1960s.

“These are leaders in our community, truly the mothers of La Crosse, and it’s just an honor to be among them,” Siegel said.

Joining Siegel in the Oktoberfest family is her husband John, the newly-elected La Crosse County sheriff.

The 2023 Festmaster has yet to be publicly announced. That will happen at the Festmaster’s Ball on Sept. 27 — the night before the fest opens.