CHIPPEWA FALLS — Charles and Jaynee Brannen met while attending Viterbo University in La Crosse, and they attended that city’s Oktoberfest multiple times.
When they moved to Chippewa Falls in 2010, they got involved in the Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest celebration, as well as multiple other philanthropic organizations.
On Friday, the Brannens were honored as this year’s festmeister and festmeisterin to kick off the 22nd annual Oktoberfest.
“Oktoberfest truly is my favorite holiday, and Jaynee’s second-favorite holiday,” Charles “Buddy” Brannen told a crowd of 200 onlookers at the Leinenkugel Brewing Company on Friday, where the Golden Keg procession begins, and heads up to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds. Brannen said he loves the festival because it brings the community together, and there’s always good food and drinks.
“And plus, there is polka,” he said, earning laughs from the crowd.
The two-day festival runs through Saturday with multiple bands, and this year, the carnival. Jaynee Brannen later said July 4th is her favorite holiday, because it’s close to her birthday.
The Brannens are involved in organizations including the Spirit of Christmas, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the Rotary and Give Chippewa Falls Giving Circle.
“All these organizations help to make Chippewa Falls a great place to live, work, and play,” Buddy Brannen said.
The Brannens said they were asked to serve as the royal couple in March.
“We were shocked, surprised, and honored,” Buddy Brannen said.
As is the tradition in Chippewa Falls for two decades, the royal couple had to keep it a secret from friends and family, which proved to be a challenge. Jaynee, a city native and a 2013 McDonell Central High School graduate, said she has an extended family in the area.
“It was difficult to keep it a secret,” Jaynee Brannen said. “But we pulled it off.”
Buddy Brannen agreed, saying, “It was really difficult, especially when you know that long in advance.”
Jaynee Brannen worked as a teacher and in development in the McDonell Central school system for 10 years.
The selection earned rave approval from past royalty.
“Jaynee had a leadership role and she worked in the Chippewa Falls Catholic schools in development,” said 2004 festmeisterin Mary Jacobson. “I’m very happy for them.”
Jill Herriges, the 2019 festmeisterin, said she’s worked with the Brannens at the Community Foundation of Chippewa County.
“I can’t recall an Oktoberfest without them,” Herriges said. “I think they will serve as ambassadors very well.”
Dick Hebert, the 2007 festmeister, said he’s served alongside Buddy Brannen in the Rotary.
“I know first-hand his community spirit,” Hebert said. “He’s a great choice, and I’m really happy for both of them.”
Bill Febry, the first-ever festmeister in 2003, no longer is part of the secret committee that selects the royalty, so he was surprised as well. He noted that Buddy Brannen worked at Leinenkugel’s for several years, and called it “a great choice.”
In January, management of the Oktoberfest festival was turned over to the Northern Wisconsin State Fair Association. The Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of Commerce had operated Oktoberfest since its inception in 2003.
“It’s healthy for the event, and to the fair’s credit, they stepped up,” Febry said.
Febry also was happy that the Golden Keg procession is still beginning on the Leinenkugel Brewing Company grounds, even though the main brewery is now closed.