Light the Hoan’s Second Annual Hoancoming To Cast Off on August 17th
For the second straight year, boat enthusiasts and landlubbers alike are invited to attend the second annual Hoancoming which will take place on the Milwaukee River and the surrounding Riverwalk on August 17, 2024. The fundraiser, formally known as Hoanchella, is an event that celebrates the city’s waterways, festival culture, and the iconic Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge. The event is being put on by Light the Hoan, a non-profit organization that operates the bridge’s dazzling light display.
Folks who have a boat can join the party for free at the confluence of the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan located next to the Hoan. Those who do not own a boat can reserve a ticket on one of two VIP boat cruises provided by the festival, each with unique themes and music. People who prefer to stay out of the water are welcome to party on the adjacent Riverwalk where they can experience the sounds and sights of Hoancoming for free.
“People loved the event last year and we are going to double down this year with more music and more events to showcase the amazing boating culture here,” says Ian Abston, co-founder of Light the Hoan. “This is the most unique festival our city has to offer and the only one that takes full advantage of our incredible riverway.”
Hoancoming features live music, a boat parade, a drone show, and fireworks/light shows that are synced to the lights on the bridge and visible from both water and land. In addition, a team of local interns will have their own custom light show on display during the event as part of the 4th Annual Intern Challenge presented by Northwestern Mutual. This event showcases the creativity of Milwaukee’s interns as they design light shows reflecting their companies’ values. The competing interns come from several local companies, including: Northwestern Mutual, Johnson Controls, Generac, Komatsu, Baird, Milwaukee Tool, Perlick, We Energies, West Bend Insurance Company, Johnson Financial Group, Direct Supply, Fiserv, Rockwell Automation, and Molson Coors.
Hoancoming organizers have planned a wide variety of fun-filled activities throughout the day and evening, including:
- DJ Shawna’s Good Vibes Cruise featuring Radio Milwaukee – Milwaukee Bucks DJ and local Emcee DJ Shawna will host a high-energy dance party for ticket holders that will include a two-hour scenic cruise on the Miss Wisconsin from Edelweiss Cruise Lines. It includes one complimentary drink and a fantastic view of the light shows. Tickets cost $99 and are selling fast.
- Retro 80’s Cruise – A guest DJ will throw it back with an 80s-themed party which also includes one free drink, an up-close view of the light shows and a scenic cruise on the Vista King from MKE Boat Line. Limited tickets are available for $99.
- Kayak Crawl with FunkClub – Hoancoming is not just for the big boats. Kayakers are welcome to join in the celebration by taking part in a kayak parade led by the local band FunkClub Wagon. Kayaks are available to rent or festival-goers are welcome to bring their own.
- Milwaukee Scavenger Pontoon Cruise – Author of “Milwaukee Scavenger,” Jenna Kashou will take guests on an hour-long tour down the Milwaukee River to learn more about the city’s hidden gems, landmarks and hotspots. Tickets are $25 per person.
- MKE with Kids Stage – Kids and their parents can head to Pere Marquette Park for family-friendly activities, including a Kid Boogie Down dance party and a coloring contest. Pete’s Pops and Sugar Spun Gourmet Cotton Candy will be on hand to provide sweet treats. This event is on land only and is free to families.
- White Claw’s After Party – After the fireworks display concludes, everyone is invited to keep the party going at Boone & Crocket.
“We love our festivals and our waterways here in Milwaukee and we know that you won’t be able to get this experience anywhere else,” adds Abston. “What’s better than spending a day on the water with friends, dancing to music and watching some incredible light shows? The fact that we can put on a party this great and still raise funds for the community speaks to the greatness and generosity of our city.”
Tickets and additional details about Hoancoming can be found online at hoancoming.com. A limited number of private group boats and sponsorship opportunities for VIP boat slips are available. The VIP tickets and sponsorship proceeds help support the Hoan as well as local non-profits, and students right here in Milwaukee.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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