On February 14, the La Crosse Center hosted its fifth annual Winter Roots Festival, drawing community members together for a day-long celebration.
Held in the Riverside Ballroom from noon to 10 p.m., the festival welcomed both residents and visitors to La Crosse for a showcase of, “Wisconsin Favorites,” featuring regional music, cuisine, craft beer and spirits. Performances spanned a wide range of genres, including classic rock, Americana, country, funk and bluegrass.
“We decided in 2018 to showcase this brand-new ballroom. It was the perfect opportunity to bring everybody together in the dog days of winter to enjoy each other, the view, and all of the art and to get ready for spring,” said Jay Breier, premium service manager at the La Crosse Center and founder of the festival.
The evening’s headliner was Horse Shoes and Hand Grenades, an Americana quintet formed in 2013 by students at University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. The band includes Adam Greuel (guitar, vocals), David C. Lynch (harmonica, accordion, vocals), Collin Mettelka (fiddle, vocals), Russell Pedersen (banjo, vocals) and Samual Odin (bass, vocals).
“Horseshoes & Hand Grenades has always been about the adventure of it all,” said band member Adam Greuel. “We set out to have fun making music we believed in. Along the way, friends and fans started coming along for the ride, and that built a feeling of community. That’s something we need in this world more than ever.”
The band members aren’t the only ones with a long-standing connection. Breier met Greuel in college, and they have remained in contact ever since.
“Adam and I go back to our college years. So, they’ve been here two years in a row,” Breier said.
Before the headlining performance, seven acts took the stage throughout the day. The festival took off with its traditional opening performance from bluegrass artist Dan Sebranek and his musical partner Mary.
“Dan Sebranek and Mary have opened every year since we started,” Breier said.
Other performers included Copper Box, Ryan Hanifl and Sammy Allen, Reed Grimm and Heatbox and Greg Hall & The Wrecking Ball.
“It’s an opportunity for people in La Crosse to come together and, no matter what’s going on outside these four walls, leave their worries at the door and have a good time,” Breier added.
Not only does the Winter Roots Festival aim to benefit La Crosse individuals, but it also works to benefit the entire community, through supporting local nonprofits. A portion of all ticket proceeds from the event benefit the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse and the La Crosse Special Olympics.
Both organizations operated fundraising booths in the entryway, greeting attendees as they arrived. The Hunger Task Force, which has partnered with the festival since 2018, hosted a silent auction, raffle and coat check.
“Winter Roots is a great way to get community folks out and looking forward to spring by celebrating community roots through local bands and nonprofits,” said Shelly Fortner, executive director of the organization.
This year marked the first time the Special Olympics participated in the festival. The group organized a cornhole competition involving its athletes, with proceeds helping to cover transportation, uniforms and other expenses.
Aimee Schmidt, a local organizer, also encouraged community members to support athletes by participating in the annual Polar Plunge on March 7.
With strong community support and growing attendance, Breier confirmed that the La Crosse Center plans to continue hosting the Winter Roots Festival next year.
