I love my hometown Holmen, Wisconsin
The place you’ve never heard of.
Kornfest, homecoming, and vikings, if you can find a connection between these words, chances are you grew up in Holmen.
Where is this place?
Near the Mississippi River, Holmen is a quiet village 15 minutes north of La Crosse, Wisconsin. With a diverse population of 9,002 and growing every year, we are a small yet proud community with traditions, values, and solidarity. As a part of the WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association), many high schools all over the state have traveled to our humble town.
Holmen’s wacky boundaries are highlighted in the red.
Our unique education system
Boasting four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school, our district of education is genuine and personal. Students are able to create special bonds with both faculty and peers that last from kindergarten to high school and beyond. With an average graduating class of 300, students are familiar with one another under the maroon and white colors representing the Holmen Vikings.
A melting pot of a community
Hmong students dress in traditional clothing for the homecoming parade
As proud Vikings, our community is comprised of a diverse pool, including a strong Hmong population. Through this diversity, a sense of respect and equality between white people and people of color is formed, a quality that is rare in dominantly white communities. The community coexists with one another, a sense of understanding and tolerance.
Best places to crave your hunger
The worn out but lovable logo of the Frosty Mug
Despite a small population compared to our neighboring cities, Holmen has much to offer when it comes to grabbing a quality bite to eat.
Most famously is the Frosty Mug, located in the heart of the village. They have been serving customers delicious burgers, fries, floats, and more for over 16 years.
Looking for an appetizing dinner on a Friday night while catching up with the latest football game? Features Sports Bar and Grill in Holmen is the perfect place to enjoy sports and Friday Night Fish Fry all in one place!
Kornfest
Every August, Holmen’s Kornfest attracts all of its residents and visitors from out of town. With fresh roasted corn on the cob, rides and games, performances, and fireworks, it’s the perfect way to end the summer.
Many performances are held at the Halfway Creek Band Shell
Held at the Halfway Creek Park, Kornfest is a way for the community to come together and celebrate the start of a new school year.
Homecoming
A tradition in many communities, homecoming in Holmen is a special time for students and the community to support the high school football team.
Students show their Holmen pride
Beginning in late September, students spend a week celebrating by dressing up for various themes.
When the clock strikes noon on the Friday of the football game, students from pre-school to middle school as well as families and friends line up on the curbs of Main Street for the annual homecoming parade.
Veterans lead the parade, a homecoming tradition
Spanning nearly a mile, the twenty minute parade includes the middle and high school bands, face painting by the art club, the football team, and other student clubs.
A hurricane of maroon and white, Holmen’s homecoming parade is one of its key events.
SEEDS
The 2015-16 SEEDS family!
SEEDS stands for Students Envisioning Equality through Diversity Skits. SEEDS is a class unique to Holmen High School.
Based on Madison West High School’s MultiCo club, SEEDS was established in the late 90s by Patty Shepard as a way to promote safety, combat social injustice, and raise awareness in the school district through theatrical skits. Initially an after school club, it was brought to the Holmen Board of Education to become a high school class in the early 2000s.
Today, it is an icon in the community, and members are recognized by solid-colored t-shirts branding their names across the chest. SEEDS covers many topics including LGBTQ issues, racial issues, bullying, and drug and alcohol awareness.
You’re always welcome!
The Village of Holmen, WI is a unique place with so much to offer. Though I have left this town for another, it will always be ‘Holm’ to me. If you ever visit, remember you’re always welcome!
#GoHolmenVikings