Commodore Career: Operating Engineer (co-owner of Earl Earp & Sons) to a Retail Music Store Owner.

Commodore Date of Birth: 11.13.1952

Commodore Hometown: La Crosse, WI

Siblings in order: Marvin, Spouse: Jane Earlamae, Spouse: Jim

First Mate Career: Homemaker, Piano Instructor, Hearing impaired interpreter.

First Mate Date of Birth: 8.22.1954 Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Siblings in order: Dean, Spouse: Amy Children 1: Jeremy

Spouse: Paula
Grandchildren: Dylan (2002), Katelyn (2005),

Evan (2010). Children 2: Nichole

Spouse: Derrick
Grandchildren: Samantha (2010), Natalie (2014)

Date of Marriage: 7.23.1973

How did you and your partner meet? We actually knew each other as children growing up. Went to the same church and some of the same schools.

Commodore Hobbies and Interests: Family, hunting, dogs, fishing, boating, ice skating, skiing, campfires, singing, music and yard work to name a few.

Commodore Community Involvement: n.a.s.a., Harbor Commission, Rotary Lights, Church choir, Town of Campbell Zoning Commission, Irish Fest, NLBA, Moon Tunes, La Crosse Concert Band, Riverfest and Kids in Need.

First Mate Hobbies and Interests: Family, dogs, biking, cooking, piano, boating, skiing, ice skating, gardening and reading. (Some of these things will not get much attention until retirement.)

First Mate Community Involvement: North La Crosse Business Association, n.a.s.a., Rotary Lights, Irish Fest, Riverfest, Church choir and Kids in Need.

Interesting Family History: Steve’s cousin was the infamous Wyatt Earp.

Tell the story of how you were asked to be a Commodore and First Mate: I was approached by Pat Stephens
saying that the Riverfest Commodores were interested
in donating money to n.a.s.a. (North America Squirrel Association) and that I should give a presentation to the group. I agreed and was asked to come to a meeting at

Ed & Sally Sullivan’s house. So I went to the meeting all prepared with videos, literature and high expectations of raising finances for n.a.s.a. Once there I asked if there was any video equipment to share my excitement of a donation to a group I am passionate about. Ed said go ahead,

give your presentation. So I stood in front of the group fully expecting their full attention and started giving my presentation when suddenly Lee Snapp yelled “I don’t want to listen to Earp.” I did not know what to do. Standing there with a look of unbelief and feeling a little belittled, Tom Hundt handed me a Riverfest Commodore button with my name on it. It was the 2007 Riverfest Button and
I was the 2007 Riverfest Commodore. I couldn’t believe
it! Of course everyone in the group had to express the
fact that “none of them voted for me! That’s how the 2007 Riverfest Commodore was “born.”

One thing on your Bucket List: Actually retire and travel somewhere!