MILWAUKEE — The woman who took Summerfest from a local event to a national one has died at the age of 74.
According to Summerfest, Elizabeth "Bo" Black served as the Summerfest executive director for almost two decades.
"Bo was truly dedicated to establishing Milwaukee as the City of Festivals during her tenure and worked tirelessly with various ethnic festivals and other charitable causes, helping to ensure their success," Summerfest said in a statement.
They continued on by saying, "She was a force. We are all grateful for her efforts, creativity and flair, which help make Summerfest the incredible experience it is today. On behalf of everyone at Summerfest past and present, we send our heartfelt condolences to Bo’s friends and family.”
Black had been in declining health for several years and was in hospice care for a few days before she died. Her husband told our Carole Meekins that she was ready to go. She had quit eating but kept smiling throughout the week.
According to Black's husband, they are planning a private funeral in Arizona, where she died, and a funeral in Milwaukee at a later date.
