2019 Standouts - That's a Wrap!

I had an excellent 2019 and it’s so much fun reflecting on all of the experiences I was a part of. I feel like life goes too fast – we should probably all take more time to reflect on our accomplishments and goals more than just once a year, right? My mom, who edits these blogs for me every month, says it’s important to tell ourselves “good job” because sometimes no one else is telling you. So, if you are reading this, I’d like to take a second to tell you “good job!” You made it through 2019. Maybe it was amazing, maybe it was pretty awful, and maybe it was somewhere in between. Whatever the case, I hope your 2020 is even better!

My 2019 was filled with abundance. I produced, managed, or was a part of more events this year than in any other year! While each of them was wonderful to be a part of, here is a photo review of three standouts.

A SMALL PRIVATE BEACH EVENT

In July, I produced a surprise beach event for a local membership-based group called Hoan. Hoan is a group comprised of more than 50 of Milwaukee’s future civic leaders. It provides connections and focused leadership development to help create change within Milwaukee and the region. The group was invited to the event but had no idea what they would do or where they were going which just made it extra special. A partnership with Lyft provided rides to folks whose only instructions for the evening were to dress casually and be prepared to be outside. Lyft brought the members to Bradford Beach where they played beach games, enjoyed a magic show, dined al fresco with a catered dinner surrounded by tiki torches. The night ended with music and s’mores around bonfire pits. It.was.awesome.

A THREE-DAY ART FESTIVAL UNDER THE MOON

In August the Under One Moon event hit the media as a “social slam dunk” according to VISIT Milwaukee. This three-day Festival was held at Catalano Square Park in the Historic Third Ward. The Moon was brought here by a new nonprofit called Black Box Fund to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing. Black Box Fund’s mission is to support public art, music, and performance that inspires, educates and enhances the well-being of our Milwaukee communities. The Moon itself is an inflatable 23 foot exact replica created by artist Luke Jerram using lunar orbiter imagery. The festival celebrated with poetry readings, dance troupes, moon-themed chalk artistry, a meet-and-greet with retired NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, and music right out under the night sky.

YES, A PET PARADE!

The 3rd highlight of my year was having the opportunity to hang out with Howie the pig! Many of you know I have been producing all of the events for Brady Street’s Business Improvement District for 12 years. The Brady Street Pet Parade has always been one of my favorites. By the end of the day my face hurts from smiling so much. The animals are just TOO dang cute! This year was made even more memorable because we had a pig in attendance.

So how on earth was I able to meet a pig you ask? (Don’t be jealous) Well, I was doing some consulting with House of Harley-Davidson (HOH); I was tasked with helping HOH streamline their events and marketing processes. HOH recognizes that events are one of their most important marketing tools since events create more personal relationships than can be done in the digital space. During a casual conversation with Mark, the Director of Business Development, he asked what events I had coming up. I told him that the Brady Street Pet Parade was coming and then just voiced out loud, “I need a pig!” Well, since the HOG (Harley Owners Group) is a common theme amongst Harley enthusiasts, he said “I know one!” The rest, as they say, is history. This totally made my day, maybe my year. I mean look at that pig’s smile!

THAT'S A WRAP

There were so many other amazing event experiences I was able to be a part of: the Milwaukee Marathon, East Side's Summer Soulstice Music Festival, Brady Street Festival, Café Hollander Downer Classic Road Bike Races, Café Centraal Bay View Classic Road Bike Races, Whitefish Bay Farmers Markets… the list goes on.

My heart is so full! Next year is looking to be equally as exciting, especially since Milwaukee is gearing up to host the Democratic National Convention, The USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals, and the Ryder Cup along with all of the other amazing neighborhood festivals and events. Bring on 2020!