Pat Stephens in the WIZM studio to help preview the 31st annual Rotary Lights.

The holiday display goes live in Riverside Park when Santa hits the switch after the downtown parade at 5 p.m. Friday. 

Stephens tells the story of how they got Rotary Lights started, and why it moved a couple times and now is home at Riverside.

He also talks about some of the new lighting displays this year, including a volcano, and some of the old favorites. 

Checking out the event is free, but guests are asked to bring a nonperishable food item. 

Last year, they brought in 340,000 pounds of donations — just off the record of 351,000 set in 2023.

The display will be lit up until January 1. 

Pat Stephens in the WIZM studio to help preview the 31st annual Rotary Lights.
The holiday display goes live in Riverside Park when Santa hits the switch after the downtown parade at 5 p.m. Friday.&nbsp;
Stephens tells the story of how they got Rotary Lights started, and why it moved a couple times and now is home at Riverside.
He also talks about some of the new lighting displays this year, including a volcano, and some of the old favorites.&nbsp;
Checking out the event is free, but guests are asked to bring a nonperishable food item.&nbsp;
Last year, they brought in 340,000 pounds of donations &mdash; just off the record of 351,000 set in 2023.
The display will be lit up until January 1.&nbsp;

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM's LaCrosse Talk. News and talk about the issues of the day for Western Wisconsin.

WIZM - La Crosse  Talk Interviews

WIZM’s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin.
Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at wizmnews.com and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities. Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.

WIZM&rsquo;s La Crosse Talk brings you the voices shaping Western Wisconsin. Broadcast live weekday mornings on WIZM News Talk 92.3 FM, 106.7 FM, 1410 AM, and streaming at <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">wizmnews.com</a> and on the WIZM app, La Crosse Talk dives into the headlines, local politics, community issues, and conversations that matter most to listeners in the Coulee Region. Hosted as part of the La Crosse Talk Morning Show, each episode features in-depth interviews with newsmakers, elected officials, experts, and everyday citizens offering real perspectives on the events and decisions impacting La Crosse and surrounding communities.&nbsp;Whether it's breaking news, civic discussions, or community stories, La Crosse Talk keeps you informed and connected to the place you call home.