The Bay View Bash 2024, established in 2004 by a group of local neighbors, celebrated its 20th anniversary with its Sept. 21. end-of-the-year block party.
The event has granted more than $100,000 for initiatives such as school uniforms, upgrades to cat shelters, and the restoration of Pryor Street Well. This came after organizers decided to donate all proceeds to nonprofits that create change in the 53207 zip code.
This year’s festivities kicked off with a puppy parade hosted by Mac’s Pet Depot Barkpark, a local pet store on Kinnickinnic Avenue, where owners and their dogs walked the streets.
The bash featured a variety of vendors selling food, art, music, crafts, books and more.
“I like the sense of community and supporting the small businesses in the area,” said Nolen Swendrowski, a local who has also attended the Bay View Bash in the past. “I also enjoy hearing music from the bands and upcoming artists. I think it has a positive effect on Bayview and the greater area.
“I see myself coming here more in the future because I hope the Bayview community gets stronger, and I want to stay connected to it.”
Unlike Swendrowski, Ellie Williams had never attended the event before despite living in the area.
“I have lived twenty minutes away from Bay View all my life but have never decided to attend,” she said. “This year it was my husband’s idea to come because we enjoy hearing live music.”
Williams said she tries to listen to as many local bands as she can, and took advantage of the opportunity at Bay View Bash 2024.
“There is a pride that is felt when you can support people who have lived only ten minutes away and are really putting the work in,” said Williams. “I believe that pride is why people have come here for so many years. Every vendor is local, and you know that the money is going toward a really great cause. We will be coming back for that reason.”
The event is Milwaukee’s largest one-day event run entirely by volunteers, according to the event’s Facebook page.
The bustling crowd, filled with people from Bay View and beyond, created an electric energy. The combination of live music and numerous vendors made the environment a great place for adults and children to celebrate and give back to their community.