Be MKE: Fourth of July festivities, Fried Pickle Cheese Curd Tacos and a naked bike ride
Who we are. Where we go. What we need to know.
Summerfest's first weekend of 2022 is in the books.
I got splattered in cake by Steve Aoki, had a dance battle with my college buddy during Dillon Francis (the jury's still out on who won), and refueled with crab Rangoon and Mexican street corn.
Here are some of the best (and worst) of what the Big Gig's grounds stages had to offer on opening day; Day 2; and Day 3. And, how vendors — some returning, some new — are feeling so far.
The fest returns Thursday through Saturday for its second of three weekends.
And that won't be the only celebration going down around here this weekend.
The Fourth of July falls on Monday. Here's a look at parades and fireworks scheduled across the area.
Let’s talk business
If your Independence Day plans involve traveling, you're farrr from alone. Yes, even despite gas prices still hovering near their highest price ever. At least 960,000 Wisconsinites are expected to travel by passenger vehicle between Thursday and July 4, according to travel organization AAA. That's the most in 20 years. And if you add in all modes of transportation, the number of Wisconsinites forecast to travel this holiday weekend will surpass 1 million.
Maria's Pizza, one of Milwaukee's oldest continually operating pizzerias, closed on June 26 — but maybe only temporarily. Co-owner Bonnie Crivello indicated that the family is in talks with a buyer for the restaurant and its recipes. Maria's had been open for takeout only, at reduced hours, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. "We did very, very well" over the years, Crivello said. "We just want to rest now."
Out and about
By now, you should come to expect at least one pun per newsletter. So, here we go: I have some grape news for you Wisconsin wine lovers out there. Uncorked: Milwaukee Wine Fest, put on by Uncorked Wine Festivals, is coming to Deer District on Sept. 17. It will feature more than 200 wines, sparkling wines and "outside the bottle" beverages from around the world; local food trucks; live DJ music; and a photo booth. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/3OHG1Tx.
While Red Arrow Park is known for winter ice skating, a warm-weather version of that could be coming as soon as this summer. The county approved a plan last week to funnel $175,000 toward a pilot program for transforming the ice-skating rink into a roller skating rink. The parks department could quickly implement the program this summer, or prepare long-term for a program in 2023.
The Official RuPaul’s Drag Race World Tour, "WERQ THE WORLD," is stopping at The Riverside Theatre on July 26. And Milwaukee's own Jaida Essence Hall, who won season 12 of the VH1 hit reality competition in 2020, will be a part of it. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit vossevents.com/werq-the-world-tour.
Don’t go hangry
Fried Pickle Cheese Curd Tacos? Say less. That's just one of the eight Wisconsin State Fair Sporkies food competition finalists for 2022. Of course, as always, there are foods on sticks, including Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Chicken and a Brandy Old Fashioned S’more. Here's the full list and where to find 'em on the grounds during the State Fair, which runs Aug. 4-14.
Paper Table Food Co., downtown Milwaukee's new "ghost kitchen," has landed a Wingstop. The facility, 733 N. Milwaukee Street, is planning for up to 18 separate restaurant stalls that focus on deliveries and carry-outs. Other tenants will include Freshwerks, Blac Bistro and MilTex Kitchen — all local operations. Dining space at Paper Table will be limited.
Here are the talkers
The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 ruling that legalized abortion in the U.S. That decision could put back into effect a state law passed in 1849 that bans Wisconsin doctors from performing abortions except when saving the life of the mother. Here's what to know.
Murals on two Milwaukee County Transit System bus stops in downtown are being used to help share the stories of people who've been affected by gun violence. By scanning a QR code under the murals' portraits, people can visit a webpage with each person’s short audio story. Full transcripts of the stories are also available on the site. The stories are part of an oral history project called Voices of Gun Violence, curated by Mothers Against Gun Violence, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Carroll University.
A quick rundown of the latest Bucks news:
During Thursday's NBA draft, MarJon Beauchamp became the first first-round pick Bucks general manager Jon Horst has made since selecting Donte DiVincenzo at No. 17 overall in 2018.
Horst worked a deal with the Indiana Pacers for the second straight year to acquire the last pick in the draft to acquire Hugo Besson, who Indiana selected at No. 58.
Pat Connaughton has elected to pick up his player option for the 2022-23 season and return to the team for his fifth season (thank goodness).
"Rise," the new movie about Giannis Antetokounmpo, his brothers and their journey to global fame in the NBA, came out on the Disney+ streaming service Friday. Here are some takeaways.
Bike riding and being naked. Who knew that would be such a popular combo? More than 200 cyclists participated in the city's second annual World Naked Bike Ride on Saturday. It's part of a worldwide movement that has taken place in over 200 cities. First held in 2004 in Canada, the event was created by social activist, filmmaker and writer Conrad Schmidt to protest against oil dependency and to celebrate the human body.
Be MKE,
Hannah
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To see what I'm up to around the city, follow me on Instagram @hannahhopekirby. Always keeping it pretty profesh over on Twitter @hannahhopekirby. Be MKE love or comments can be sent to hannah.kirby@jrn.com.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Be MKE: July Fourth, Fried Pickle Cheese Curd Tacos, naked bike ride
