MILWAUKEE -- Downtown Milwaukee businesses and community leaders are celebrating the 13th annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week, July 23 – 27. The week-long celebration rewards downtown employees with outdoor entertainment, games and free lunches, as well as after-hours events, team trivia, giveaways and more.
Erica Chang
"People are lined up around the block," said Erica Chang, marketing and events coordinator with Milwaukee Downtown.
"It's funny too because it's quiet like this and all the sudden they say 'go,' and it's just packed," said Matt Wahl, musician.
In its 13th year, Downtown Employee Appreciation Week will draw close to 85,000 people at events throughout the week.
"There's such an energy and vibrancy here. You get the real energy of our downtown workforce, which is such an exciting and enthusiastic group," said Chang.
From lunchtime giveaways for the first 1,000 people in line, to games and music, the week-long event celebrates the people who help the city go-round.
"Something for every taste bud and when it's free, it's extra sweet," said Chang.
On Monday, July 23, employees with MGIC: Mortgage Insurance stepped into their own backyard -- its offices located just steps away.
"I think a big part of it is that we are proud to be part of the downtown skyline, and all the people who work downtown," said Liz Keuler, marketing specialist with MGIC.
Matt Wahl
Employees got a break from the office lights -- and a taste of sunlight.
"I used to work in a cubicle," said Wahl.
Wahl is a Knoxville-based musician who's played at the event for several years.
"If I could have come out on a beautiful, sunny day like this and had lunch and listen to some music, and see some booths, that would have been a great break in the day," said Wahl.
Activities will be held July 23 – 27 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in various city parks. Click HERE for this year's event brochure.
"It's a perfect day for downtown employees to get out of the office all week," said Chang.
Downtown Employee Appreciation Week will conclude with a closing ceremony on Friday, July 27 in Cathedral Square Park.