I’ve mentioned that the idea of a beer garden in Pere Marquette Park is brewing. Today, we got word that it’s on tap and set to flow on June 21 from 5 to 9 p.m.
The Westown Association and Old German Beer Hall, 1009 N. Old World 3rd St., will organize the event that features a traditional Munich-style beer garden setting, complete with tables, live music from the Brewhaus Polka Kings and the official beer garden beer of Munich, Hofbräu Sommer Bier.
Sommer Bier or Summer Beer is an unfiltered lager, commonly enjoyed in beer gardens of Munich's Englische Garten – similar to New York's Central Park.
To celebrate the event, on the official first day of summer, Milwaukee County Parks Director Sue Black will be on hand to tap a keg of Sommer Bier. Additional beer varieties will be available for purchase.
"It’s long overdue for Milwaukee to reclaim this great tradition," said Hans Weissgerber III, managing director of Old German Beer Hall. "Beer gardens offer an opportunity for people from all walks of life to relax and enjoy a beer in a beautiful park setting with friends and family."
In keeping with German traditions, attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks. You must be to 21 to attend, and if you’re man or woman enough be sure to register for the "Masskrugstemmen" (loosely translates into the lifting of a liter mug of beer) at 6:30 p.m. Hold the giant stein parallel to the floor the longest and you’ll quality for the finals and a chance to win a trip to New York City to compete for the U.S. Championship.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
