Commodore Erickson excited for La Crosse’s 40th Annual Riverfest, despite the new nicknames

They had a little fun recently in the WIZM studio, hyping up the 40th annual Riverfest celebration that begins Friday.

Jake Erickson, Chief Executive Officer at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse, was named this year’s commodore.

He said he was looking forward to seeing some of his kids from the boys and girls club at Riverside Park over the five-day event — though he’s not sure about the new nicknames that come with the Commodore title.

“They just call me Jake,” Erickson told La Crosse Talk host Mike Hayes. “But Commodore’s OK. There are some other nicknames going around, with me wearing this fancy hat now. Old man’s one. Sailor Boy’s another. I can’t believe I just said that on the air.”

If you’ve driven through Riverside Park lately, you’ll notice a lot of work being done — not just to some of the park’s infrastructure, but also the setup for Riverfest.

Erickson gave props to those working to put on the five-day event.

“That’s a huge part of Riverfest, is all the volunteers,” Erickson said. The volunteer board and all the people that are going to be down at the park for five days during the fest, and the weeks before it. There are just so many great people that are involved with this organization.”

Every night features a new musical headliner on the north stage.

Friday’s three bands will help kick off Riverfest, beginning with County Line Drive at 6 p.m. The Pat Watters Band takes the stage at 8 p.m.

The first of two firework shows happens at 9:45, followed by Cooper Alan at 10 p.m.

The other firework show happens on July 4, of course.

Thursday is the last day to get $10 buttons (do so here). They jump to $15 tomorrow.

But the southside part of the festival, where kids games and food can be had, is free to enter.