A royal Postmaster

When Houston, MN Postmaster Eileen Przytarski returned to work on Oct. 4, she may have looked a little tuckered. A week of fulfilling royal duties can wear you out.

Eileen and her husband, Ed, served as Frau and Festmaster of the 50th Annual Oktoberfest, La Crosse’s weeklong celebration of music, beer and all things German. They presided over dances, parades and community outreach events.

The honor caps a lifetime of community service. Ed has officiated high school and college wrestling for more than 35 years. He is also active in the La Crosse business community as director for Downtown Mainstreet Inc. and chairman of the city’s Redevelopment Authority. “It’s really my husband’s honor, I just get to tag along,” Eileen jokes modestly. The two have been involved with Oktoberfest for years and joined the fest’s Grenadier Corps in 1984.

Eileen was on hand for the full week’s schedule of events, and the work has just begun. For the next year the Przytarskis will represent Oktoberfest at other festivals throughout the region and as far away as Winnipeg.

They first learned of their selection back in April, but had to keep the secret until the Festmaster’s Ball on the eve of the festival. “But people start talking to one another, and they figure things out,” Eileen said.

She’s back in her office now, getting herself ready for what is going to be a very busy year. “It’s a great honor and a great opportunity for both of us,” she said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun, too.”