A Light in the Darkness

It’s November 3rd, 2020, Election Day, and there is an overall anxious energy in the air. We are in the worst throes of the covid virus since it was first discovered. I have a feeling another lockdown is coming our way. Ironically, when I had to cancel my first event in March after the stay at home order was issued and businesses were shuttered, Milwaukee County had only a few hundred cases! That seems like so very long ago.

With the lockdown and subsequent event cancellations around the State, I had some time to think about my career. Since I also manage a Business Improvement District, a part of me wondered “do I want to do outdoor events again beyond the usual annual District events?” “Do I want to work that hard?” “How long will it even be until I can host a safe in-person event again anyway?” But then, quite unexpectedly, in stepped the crew from Light the Hoan.

BACKGROUND

Light the Hoan began about four years ago with a small group of dreamers who noticed that Milwaukee at night looked like it simply just ended in darkness where our iconic yellow Hoan bridge connects to Bay View. Their mission: To illuminate the Hoan Bridge in celebration of our city, its people, its social and cultural institutions, and its progress, with a symbol of unity and civic pride.

Anyone who has done any bit of traveling around the U.S. or the world has seen countless bridges lit up in an effort to proudly showcase their City. I followed Light the Hoan closely and even bought dedication lights along the way. I celebrated with them on social media when they reached fundraising milestones. I bought “Light the Hoan” ornaments and I wore the t-shirts proudly. I agreed with my whole heart that this was something that should happen for Milwaukee! The entire lighting project was funded through private donations. Can you imagine working on a project of this scope, raising millions of dollars over several years, only to be told there could be no grand party because of a pandemic? No one in a million years would have ever thought that would be the case.

LIGHT IT UP… SAFELY

When two of the founders approached me to help them pull off a lighting ceremony less than a month before they wanted to turn the bridge lights on permanently, in the midst of the pandemic, I did not hesitate for one second. Challenge accepted! Since safety was our top priority, we went straight to the health department to get the ball rolling. I subsequently wrote my very first, and probably not my last, Covid Safety Plan. The key for the lighting ceremony was a few separate locations of small outdoor gatherings, masks required, social distancing in place, and an abundance of hand sanitizer.

Okay this makes it sound simple but we worked our tails off.

Security controlled the number of people who could attend, reminded people to social distance and made sure masks were worn properly. The attendees consisted mostly of donors so an emailed invitation had to be presented to security to get past the barricades. There was also an option where invitees could stay in their cars in a parking lot near the bridge which was again, controlled by security.

We finally, thankfully, got the go ahead from the Health department, the City of Milwaukee’s DPW and Police to make this happen. Everything was coming together. As you all know, I’m not really into checking the weather because it’s the one thing that’s beyond my control when it comes to planning events. This particular event, scheduled for a mere 45 minutes was on a Thursday evening. It included a light show set to music run through our local radio station, 88Nine. The forecast was for cold and rain. I wasn’t surprised; it’s 2020, the year that has felt like one big prank!

HAPPY ENDINGS?

Event day came and everything was in place. I had more energy than I have had in a very long time; I was loving the buzz of the event day. It rained all morning and then the rain subsided. In the meantime, a crazy thick fog settled right across the water. Security worked hard to manage the influx of cars and people trying to sneak in but overall, the crappy weather probably changed some people’s minds about trying to head down to score the best view.

I know you all probably are expecting the picture-perfect happy ending, but this photo shows the view from the event areas. As bright as the lights are on the bridge, we literally couldn’t see a thing! We also couldn’t stop laughing about it. This was just the pinnacle of what 2020 has been for so many people, especially for those of us in the events industry.

I did realize, however, that I still do love this work so very much and no amount of virus and fog will ever change that. While we enter into the winter months and another possible lockdown, Light the Hoan, one of my only events in 2020, will go down as one of the most amazing events I’ve ever had the honor to be a part of. When the virus is finally under control, events will return. I will be right here ready, willing and able to develop and produce all kinds of new and equally as exciting events. In the meantime, hang in there my friends!