Advertisement No “Aye, aye, sirs” required from band students, he said. For what’s left of the school year, it’s all about the music.
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Onalaska High School High Band Director Dawson Strutt and his wife Jackie were named 2009 commodore and first mate Wednesday.
Photo by Peter Thomson |
In fact, even as commodore, it’s a lot about the music for Strutt.
“Music, it brings people together. It crosses barriers.”
The newest Riverfest commodore said he’s happy to be a part of the Riverfest family, as he and wife Jacqueline — who will reign as first mate throughout the festival — enjoy Riverfest and the family atmosphere it promotes.
Riverfest organizers informed him of their choice by asking him to a meeting to discuss starting an opening-day parade.
“They allowed me to do the entire presentation,” he said, before they slid a commodore button across the table to him.
So, no, there won’t be an opening-day parade this year — “Those things take time,” Strutt said — but he will work on it for future Riverfests.
Though a steady rain accompanied Strutt’s unveiling as commodore Wednesday morning, it didn’t dampen his spirits. The area needed rain, he said, and the showers can’t ruin the fun of Riverfest.
“It’s the people that make the difference,” he said, “not the weather.”
