Oktoberfest unveils new statue of beer and brewing icon Gambrinus

LA CROSSE (WKBT) -- A bronze statue of Gambrinus, the "patron saint of beer," was unveiled Thursday morning at the Oktoberfest grounds

Gambrinus is a legendary European culture hero celebrated as an icon of beer and brewing. The statue, which sits at the entrance of the fest grounds, was donated by the Cleary-Kumm Foundation.

Christine and Sandra Cleary contributed the statue in honor of their family's long tradition of festing and brewing.

"We're just thrilled with how well Oktoberfest has presented it here, and we're really looking forward to sharing it with everyone," said Sandra Cleary.

If Gambrinus familiar, that's because the city already has two representations of him on display--one on Third Street outside the City Brewery and another near Riverside Park at the corner of State and Front Streets.

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