The Cross Plains Beer Parade.

       Cross Plains as always been famous for parades. As the village slogan says, "famous for friendliness", it was good reason to gather as a community and have a great time. One of the Village's more famous parades was the Beer Parade of 1933. The repeal of the hated Volstead Act, also known as Prohibition and lasting 13 years, was celebrated by the very German community of Cross Plains with a Beer Parade. The parade was to have attracted an estimated 5,000 beer drinkers to the Village, which then had the population of 200. On May5, 2001, Cross Plains reenacted its first version of the Beer Parade, honoring some of the people that were in the 1933 parade. At that parade the Cross Plains Brewery introduced a new beer, Cross Plains Special, which is a pilsner beer. That parade was very successful, so it was decided to do it again.

       On Saturday, May 3rd, 2008 at 4:30 PM in Cross Plains, the Beer Parade will be held again., celebrating 75 years since the original parade and celebrating the 145th anniversary of Esser's Cross Plains Brewery.  The parade will run West to East this year. In conjunction with the Lions Garage Sales Day, and the Lions Trout Days. Registration will be at the Esser's Cross Plains Brewery, click Email Esser's Cross Plains Brewery, or call 608-798-3911 to reserve your spot in the parade.. This year's Grand Marshal's will be Wayne and his wife Janet Esser, and Lyle and his wife Charlette Esser. Let's join both couples and raise your glass to help celebrate 50 years of marriage. . These local bars will feature Esser's Best and Cross Plains Special with delicious food specials as well: Kurts on Main, Main St Lanes, Monks Retreat, Sheltons Bar and Grill. Thanks to Cross Plains Business Association,and other contributors for helping with the Parade.