Oktoberfest implementing new security measures, including metal detection Every festgoer entering the front gate will go through metal detection screening; no large bags are allowed By Site staff Sep 28, 2021 Sep 28, 2021 Updated Jan 24, 2023 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) – Some new security measures are being put in place for Oktoberfest Thursday-Sunday.Everyone will need to go through metal detection screening at the front gate, so be prepared to get your phones and keys out.Large bags, including backpacks, will not be allowed inside the fest grounds.For those festing or not, people in La Crosse are feeling mixed regarding Oktoberfest’s new security protocols.“Well it’s nice to know that they’re taking security into effect,” UW-La Crosse junior Nathan Farrington said. “Everybody wants a safe and fun time.”“I think it’s overkill,” La Crosse resident Julie Keitel said. “They should be more focused on making sure people are safe and not catching COVID.”Oktoberfest President Kelly Wilde says the new measures are there to keep people as safe as possible.“Any kind of large event is doing a lot more with security just because it’s the world we live in,” Wilde said.Small purses and bags are allowed inside the grounds, but they will be inspected first.Security will be looking for weapons, alcohol, food and glassware.Wilde says people bringing in weapons and alcohol to the fest grounds hasn’t been an issue for security in the past.“Once in a while, you might get one or two that come in,” Wilde said.He says even with these new security measures, it shouldn’t take much longer for festgoers to enter the grounds.“This all goes really quick,” Wilde said. “Our security will have 10 lanes that are coming in.”Some think COVID safety should be more of the focus.“I think that’s more of a risk than a terrorist attack,” Keitel said.But tightened security has become the norm, even for La Crosse’s biggest event.Oktoberfest recommends mask wearing and distancing whenever possible.It has also tripled the amount of hand sanitizing stations for this year.If you test positive or feel under the weather, you are encouraged to stay home.Oktoberfest leaders say they have expanded the size of the festing area to allow for more spacing this year.Recent News Headlines from News 8 Now/News 8000UW-La Crosse staffers encourage parents to talk with students about Oktoberfest safety ‘About as safe as we can get for a big event,’ La Crosse mayor comments on Oktoberfest plansMaryland newspaper gunman gets more than 5 life prison termsLa Crosse man jailed in Trempealeau County, accused of possessing meth with intent COPYRIGHT 2021 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Tags Oktoberfest Security Measures Recent News Headlines from News 8 Now Winter Farmer's Market draws to a close in Sparta Blain's Farm and Fleet hosts grand re-opening for La Crosse shoppers SACS Team holds annual Spring Bake Sale to help honor cancer patients Rep. Derrick Van Orden introduces two Veterans' Affairs Bills Forecast Update Mostly Cloudy Today, Chance of Flurries This AM Far S/E March 25, 2023 @ 5:00 am NEAR MISS: A potent storm system will bring snow to SE parts of Wisconsin this morning through about midday. In fact, several inches are likel… Read the full forecast Plan my day Today 47°F A few clouds. Lows overnight in the mid 20s. Tonight 28°F Partly cloudy skies. Low 28F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow 46°F Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the upper 40s and lows in the mid 20s. Most Popular La Crosse teacher's aide on administrative leave during investigation into classroom incident VIEWER PHOTOS: Northern Lights across the Coulee Region Bond set for Jackson Co. woman accused of shooting, killing man Over 100 vendors attend 44th Annual La Crosse Home Show UPDATE: One person in critical condition after Hwy 157 crash Latest News Winter Farmer's Market draws to a close in Sparta Blain's Farm and Fleet hosts grand re-opening for La Crosse shoppers SACS Team holds annual Spring Bake Sale to help honor cancer patients Over 100 vendors attend 44th Annual La Crosse Home Show Voters with disabilities turned away due to misinformation More News