In my previous column, I reviewed the impact of the great Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918 in Lake Geneva focusing on the Flu’s impact in 1918. The great Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918, however, extended throughout the year of 1919 and the first three months of 1920. 1919 and 1920 were significant years in Lake Geneva’s history.
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In photos: A look at Lake Geneva Oktoberfest 2020 music, fun and masks
The Phenix Band
Members of The Phenix Band perform German-style music during Oktoberfest, Oct. 11, at Flat Iron Park in downtown Lake Geneva.
Good Times Eddie in Downtown Lake Geneva
Edward Kobesko, a.k.a. Good Times Eddie, roving the streets of Lake Geneva during a past Oktoberfest celebration.
Bratwurst
William Bernardo, left, and Charles Bernardo, both of Genoa City, enjoy some bratwurst during this year's Oktoberfest.
Dancing to the music
Nina Bakhtina and Ron Schneider, both of Chicago, dance to some German-style music at Flat Iron Park, Oct. 11, in downtown Lake Geneva.
Time with the dog
Loretta Davis, left of Nashville, Tennessee, Susan Smith, front right, of Racine, and Paul Davis, rear right, of Nashville, enjoy some music, conversation and food along with their dog, Sami, at Oktoberfest.
'Please practice social distancing'
Signs were placed around Flat Iron Park during Oktoberfest to encourage people to wear a face mask and social distance.
Music and the atmosphere
Richard Wojnarowski and Lisa Wojnarowski enjoy the music and the atmosphere of Oktoberfest at Flat Iron Park in downtown Lake Geneva.
Enjoying a good time with family
Tim Both, left; Alysia Trinidad, front right; and Julie Ahlert, rear right, enjoy some food and music during Lake Geneva's Oktoberfest.
Roll out the barrel
Edward Kobesko of Lake Geneva performed at Flat Iron Park, as well as throughout downtown Lake Geneva during Oktoberfest.
Pumpkin giveaway
The Lake Geneva Business Improvement District conducted a pumpkin giveaway in front of the Geneva Theater, 244 Broad St., during Oktoberfest.
Hand sanitizer stations and face masks
Hand sanitizer stations with face masks were placed around Flat Iron Park to encourage people to practice safety regulations while attending Oktoberfest.
Sidewalk sale
Gary Petzinger, co-owner of Constant Cravings, LLC in downtown Lake Geneva, stands in front of his store with some of his popcorn items, as he was one of several business owners to conduct a sidewalk sale during Oktoberfest.
Patrick Quinn
Patrick Quinn is a Lake Geneva native who is the University Archivist Emeritus at Northwestern University.
