Oct. 15, 2025
From Fairest of the Fair to Miss Oktoberfest
by Brad Quarberg, 2016 Maple Leaf Parade Marshall
A chance meeting with Miss La Crosse-Oktoberfest was all Vivian Stephenson needed to start thinking about capturing the crown herself. As the reigning Vernon County Fairest of the Fair, Stephenson met 2023 Miss La Crosse- Oktoberfest Emma Garrison at the Westby Syttende Mai parade.
“I talked with her for a long time about her role and I knew from then on that I wanted to be a part of this incredible program,” Stephenson said.
Just over a year later, Stephenson walked off the stage of the Miss La Crosse Oktoberfest Scholarship Program at UW-La Crosse Sept. 13, as the reigning 2025 Miss La Crosse- Oktoberfest. She will compete in the Miss Wisconsin program in June 2026.
First Runner-Up and winner of Best Overall Interview was Jenna Martin. Second Runner-Up was Madison Kratt, who also won Best Overall Evening Gown.
Along with making appearances with Oktoberfest’s Royal Family and promoting the La Crosse area, Stephenson is excited to share her community social impact initiative, “Harmony in Motion: Dance for Youth Well-being.” The initiative focuses on using dance to support physical, mental and emotional health of young people through movement while battling health concerns such as childhood obesity.
“Growing up, dance was my outlet where I felt the proudest to be myself,” Stephenson said. “Dance gave me confidence, creativity and connection while fostering my mental and physical health. I want to give those same qualities to the next generation and expand the joy of artistic movement with the La Crosse community.”
Stephenson plans to partner with local schools to host free dance classes so “all children can experience the harmony of motion and reap all of the benefits that dance has for the mind, the body, and the soul,” she says.
Stephenson currently teaches dance at two dance studios and has volunteered to provide dance instruction to youth. All the experiences helped her earn the Best Overall Talent Award for her self-choreographed tap solo during the on-stage competition. Her routine to a cover of “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’” in the style of Nancy Sinatra channeled her passion for dance along with Sinatra’s confidence and independence, while also connecting back to her country roots.
“I have been dancing since age 3, but tap dancing is by far my favorite,” Stephenson said. “After 17 years, I have learned so much about tap’s rich history and how unique it is to serve as your own instrument through tapping.”
The Miss La Crosse-Oktoberfest title is Stephenson’s first with Miss America affiliation. Along with the Vernon County Fairest of the Fair title, Stephenson competed for Miss La Crosse-Oktoberfest and Miss Onalaska in 2024, as well as the Wisconsin Sweeps in 2025.
Stephenson attributes serving as Vernon County Fairest of the Fair to giving her an edge as she continued in competitions.
“That experience gave me a love for being a leader and representing my community,” Stephenson said. “I grew to adore children running up to me and asking for photos and if I was a princess, and being able to welcome fairgoers to my county fair, which I cherish so deeply.”
While some call the competition a beauty pageant, Stephenson says the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss La Crosse-Oktoberfest extends far beyond being just a pageant. Along with personal growth, she has earned more than $10,000 in scholarships from Miss America competition.
“Being a delegate has allowed me to grow so much in only a year, improving my interview and public speaking skills, becoming more confident, and feeling prouder to be who I am and share my passions,” Stephenson said. “The scholarship program has been an amazing way to become a more successful version of myself on and off the stage, and I feel that it is a great opportunity for young women to grow.”
Stephenson grew up on her family’s farm, Sugar Ridge Ranch, outside of Viroqua where they raise registered Shropshire sheep that they show across the nation. She has ridden horses since she could walk and was home-schooled through the Rural Virtual Academy, graduating in 2023 as valedictorian.
“I attribute much of my success to my mom, as she taught me so much and inspires me to become the best that I can be,” said Stephenson.
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