NEW SOUTH ENTRANCE, BRIGGS BACKYARD APPROVED FOR SUMMERFEST

CHANGES FOR THE BRIGGS BACK YARD IN STORE

Don Smiley (Right) and his team make a presentation to the Board of Harbor Commissioners



Special to the Readers of Plenty of Horne

By Michael Horne

And The Plenty of Horne Hound Dog Team

The Board of Harbor Commissioners unanimously approved plans by Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., to reconstruct the south gate of Henry W. Maier Festival Park by extending it westerly beneath the Hoan Bridge.

Demolition of the existing gate, used by 20%-30% of festival visitors is already complete, and much of the adjacent Briggs and Stratton Big Back Yard stage lie in ruins after a date with the wrecking ball.
However, according to the lease agreement with the commission, which is the landlord of the Summerfest grounds, the management of Milwaukee World Festivals required the board's permission for construction to commence.

The roof is off of the Briggs and Stratton stage -- and not blown off by recent winds.

The south entrance of Summerfest will now be west of the Hoan Bridge

This is what a Board of Harbor Commissioners looks like. Ald. Bob Bauman didn't attend because it is Budget Amendment Day at City Hall. Craig Mastantuono also skipped the gig because he's trying a federal case in Virginia.

PRESS RELEASE

Here is the press release about the changes at Summerfest.

BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION SIGNS 10-YEAR SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERS IN STAGE RENOVATION

MILWAUKEE — October 28, 2011 – Summerfest officials are pleased to announce that Briggs & Stratton Corporation has extended its sponsorship of Summerfest and Henry Maier Festival Park for a ten year period.  The new agreement will continue through Summerfest of 2020.  Briggs & Stratton signed its original sponsorship with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. in 1997 when it assumed the title position of the stage area with Old Style Beer and continued the relationship with a series of subsequent agreements to date. 

As part of this long-term commitment, Briggs & Stratton will partner with Summerfest in a renovation of the stage area footprint, which is part of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.’s two-year, $25 million renovation project, slated for 22-acres at Henry Maier Festival Park.  The renovation project furthers Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.’s focus on quality and strategic plan to continue developing and evolving the world-class festival site. 

“We are very pleased to be continuing our relationship with Briggs & Stratton and appreciate their sponsorship  commitment in this event, festival park and our community,” stated Don Smiley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.  “They share our vision of providing customers with quality and a world-class music experience.”

Along with constructing a new Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard area, including a stage and a new two-story structure, featuring a variety of food and beverage options at ground level with a covered VIP viewing deck on the second floor, the master plan calls for a new South Gate and Box Office, restaurants, walkways, merchandise areas, restrooms, beer stands and other features on the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park. 

The new amenities will not only enhance the Summerfest experience for patrons, but improve the operations and festival grounds for the Ethnic Festivals and others who conduct events at the site. 



“We are pleased to continue our sponsorship of Summerfest and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.” said Todd Teske, Chairman, President & CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation.  “Our long term commitment to the festival only parallels our commitment to the Milwaukee community in bringing world-class entertainment right here in our own backyard.”

Work on the project has already begun with completion of the new Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard along with other elements scheduled in time for the 2011 festival season.  After the 2011 season, the second phase of the renovation project, including other areas within the 22-acre project footprint, will continue and be completed in time for the 45th Anniversary of Summerfest in 2012.