Organizing Body:
Milwaukee RiverWalk District (MRD), in conjunction with the Water Street Tavern and Restaurant Association and Old World Third Street Organization. MRD is a not–for–profit corporation consisting of over 100 member companies, organizations and individuals. MRD uses its abilities and resources to enhance the values, safety, aesthetics and infrastructure for the benefit of the city, the millions of people who visit the District each year, and the property owners, institutions and businesses within the District. In addition to RiverSplash, MRD organizes and presents RiverSculpture, an annual outdoor sculpture exhibit situated along the Riverwalk, and the Milwaukee River Challenge, a crew race on the Milwaukee River featuring national, collegiate, and club crews from throughout the Midwest.
Attendance:
165,000 estimate, no gate admission.
Location:
RiverSplash takes place downtown along a 10–block area that features popular restaurants, clubs and eateries, in addition to picturesque Pere Marquette Park. The festival is easily accessed by Milwaukee’s freeway system.
Theme:
The three–day event is the first festival of summer and the official opening of the long–awaited summer season. It’s marked with a celebration of Milwaukee’s majestic river, the serene riverwalk, and the thriving businesses in the downtown riverwalk area.
Music
Eight staged areas scattered throughout the festival grounds feature music from over 40 local, regional and national bands. Up and down the Milwaukee River, festival-goers find a musical mix of rock, pop, R&B, country, jazz, calypso, reggae, salsa, swing, and Latin.
Entertainment / Activities
RiverSplash Kid’s Day
The Kid’s Stage in Pere Marquette Park comes alive with song, dance, theater and events and activities for children of all ages. Past participants in the even thave included Radio Disney, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, Discovery World Museum, Ronald McDonald and First Stage Children’s Theater.
The Great Paddle–Off
Always a well–attended event, the Great Paddle–Off takes place at the Midwest Airlines Landing in Pere Marquette Park. In this competition, Milwaukee–area politicians and members of Milwaukee’s media square off in an always–unpredictable paddleboat race across the Milwaukee River. Hilarious color commentary is provided by local comedians.
Buskers
Throughout the festival, street performers amuse and astound festival–goers of all ages. These unusual entertainers juggle everything from fire to chainsaws, lie on beds of nails, ride tiny bicycles, race on flaming skateboards and perform amazing feats of acrobalance. Buskers perform at specific locations and spontaneously throughout the festival grounds.
RiverSculpture
The grace and majesty of contemporary sculpture and the serenity of Milwaukee’s riverwalk artfully intersect during the annual presentation of RiverSculpture. Each year new artists unveil their unique sculptures at the multiple piece exhibit, which is on display beginning in June at locations along the riverwalk from Wisconsin Avenue to Juneau Avenue.
Fireworks
On Friday and Saturday night, the summer sky explodes in an extraordinary display of fireworks. Seen by thousands, these amazing pyrotechnics shows take place just over the river in Pere Marquette Park.
Cuisine:
Approximately 30 restaurants participate in the festival, offering festival–goers everything from spicy veggie Singapore noodles to savory German knackwurst with saurkraut.
Marketplace:
The Marketplace in Pere Marquette Park features approximately 20 merchants who offer an interesting collection of specialty jewelry, contemporary works of art, unique clothing, unusual pottery and many one–of–a–kind treasures. In that RiverSplash is the first summer festival of the year, vendor space does fill up quickly so reservations are required. RiverSplash provides vendors with a tent and appropriate signage.
Sponsors / Exhibitors:
RiverSplash overs sponsors and exhibitors an extraordinary opportunity to reach consumers through sampling and experiential marketing. Proprietary platforms provide sponsors with an opportunity to fully integrate their brands into festival programming. Additional sponsor benefits may include identification in festival collateral, Web site, advertising, on–site branding and hospitality. Placement of sampling vehicles or product display exhibits are available in prime locations offering visibiity and considerable foot traffic. Sponsorship professionals at RiverSplash can customize a package best suited for your business.
Advertising:
RiverSplash reaches visitors through a comprehensive advertising campaign that includes print and electronic media, and brochure distribution through southeastern Wisconsin. Advertising includes radio, television, newspaper and web advertisements.
Contact Information:
Event Manager – Ed Hanrahan – (414) 283-9797
Sponsorship – Kathy Emery – (262) 878-2121
Media – Lisa Elias – (414) 530-4387
Web Site – riversplash.com