Forks & Corks is the Gemütlichkeit Foundation’s signature fundraising event, bringing the community together for an evening of exceptional food, curated wine pairings, and meaningful impact. Proceeds from the event support scholarships for students from area high schools, expanding educational opportunities for young adults.

Enjoy a thoughtfully designed dining experience, silent and live auctions, and the opportunity to connect with community members and businesses who share a commitment to investing in our future.

Hosted at the Radisson Hotel Ballroom, you'll delight in a five-course small plate culinary experience paired with chef-selected wines. For 2026, the Radisson culinary team has selected the following offerings:

• Course 1 - Spain: Prosciutto Crostini - Grilled baguette, prosciutto, sliced pear, arugula, and truffle honey paired with a Miguel Pons Cava Brut.

• Course 2 - Japan: Sunomono Salad - Crisp cucumbers, tender shrimp, crunchy bell pepper, cilantro, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame, light soy paired with Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc.

• Course 3 - Morocco: Grilled Harissa Spiced Chicken Thigh with Lemon-Herb Yogurt Sauce - Warm spices, garlic, cumin, light heat, cooling yogurt drizzle paired with Fleur De Mer Rose.

• Course 4 - Italy: Red Wine Braised Beef Short Rib over Creamy Polenta - Slow-braised beef short rib, herb jus, parmesan polenta paired with Villa Nozzole Chianti Classico.

• Course 5 - France: Chocolate Pot de Crème with Whipped Cream - Rich chocolate custard, vanilla cream, shaved chocolate paired with Taylor Fladgate Lbv Port.

Please note that due to the nature of the evening, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions. While unlikely, all pairings subject to change based on availability.

The Gemütlichkeit Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a charitable arm of La Crosse Festivals, Inc. The Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for local high school students through a variety of fundraising events. Forks & Corks is our primary fundraising event.

The Foundation currently awards $15,000 in scholarships each year, including a $1000 scholarship to fourteen area high schools as well as a $1000 scholarship to the yearly winner of the Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest Scholarship Program. Area high schools currently served are:

• Aquinas High School
• Bangor High School
• Cashton High School
• De Soto High School
• Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School
• Holmen High School
• La Crescent High School
• La Crosse Central High School
• La Crosse Logan High School
• Melrose – Mindoro High School
• Onalaska High School
• Onalaska Luther High School
• West Salem High School
• Westby High School