RIVERFEST

Many times during La Crosse's history, celebrations were held in La Crosse at the site of Riverside Park, even back to the very early days when fur traders and indians met to trade and celebrate. In 1979 and 1980 , a Free Family Frolic was held in the event park as a promotion for the D.L.B.A. and Radisson Hotel. The 3 day event included buggy rides, clowns and entertainment. The La Crosse Jaycees had for several years set off the fireworks over the Mississippi River from Pettibone Park while spectators watched from Riverside Park and the bluffs surrounding La Crosse. The present "Riverfest" began as an outgrowth of all these previous festivals. It started as a function of the La Crosse Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. In December of 1982, President Phil Quillin suggested to the chairman of the Tourism Committee, Mike Stout, that we establish a summer celebration around the 4th of July to keep people in the area; stay home to celebrate the 4th. Preliminary talks and ideas came from..

Also known as: Riverfest Inc, Riverfest La Crosse

Primary location: La Crosse United States