MILWAUKEE — Hoanchella is happening tonight at the Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee.
Basically, it's a boat cruise and a light show on the Hoan Bridge, synced to music from the Milwaukee Bucks DJ, Shawna.
This event serves as a fundraiser to kick off plans to add bulbs on the east side of the bridge.
Executive Director for Light the Hoan, the group which runs the light displays on the bridge, Erika Smith said it was always a part of their plan to take on the whole bridge.
“It was a group of friends that put a lot of time and energy into making it work. It was all volunteer work," Smith said "So it’s kind of amazing to see this vision that these friends had come to real life."
Since 2020, the west side of the Hoan Bridge has delighted people with its colorful displays, whether the city's usual blue and yellow or a unique design for a special cause or occasion.
It's a project Smith said took four years and $4.5 million to make a reality but noted the undertaking would be easier the second time around.
"We have all of this technology already in place," she explained. "When we have all of the money raised, it will literally take almost three weeks to install it."
Light the Hoan is hoping to raise $2 million by March 2024 to complete the project in time for the Republican National Convention set for Milwaukee.
Smith said that will give them enough time after the winter to install and test the bulbs. To help move the project along, those interested can sign up to buy a bulb to dedicate in the name of a loved one or to show their Milwaukee pride.
Smith said the non-profit gets two to three requests a week from groups wanting their colors represented on the bridge.
Thursday's Hoanchella will be the first of many on the river. The night's event will also be fireworks show at 8:40 p.m.
Read more about the event from their website:
What is HOANCHELLA?
Join us for this unforgettable evening featuring an orchestrated boat cruise led by the Funktoon Wagon, a light show on the Hoan Bridge synced to an exclusive DJ Shawna set, spectacular fireworks show, and so much more!
HOANCHELLA will be the first to provide a transformative experience that takes place on the Milwaukee River and shores of Lake Michigan.
This celebration of the Fresh Coast not only unites residents and visitors but also serves as a kickoff for lighting the East side of the Hoan Bridge, showcasing Milwaukee’s charm and inviting the world to experience our city’s magic.
Event Timeline
The HOANCHELLA boat event will start at Lakeshore Park and turn around at Lakefront Brewery. There are various riverwalk locations to view the boats and enjoy the music. Below is the timeline of events:
Our VIP Experiences
VIP Cruise Experience
$175 per person ( SOLD OUT)
Ticket price includes:
- Two-hour live music and production w/ DJ Shawna aboard the Miss Wisconsin from Edelweiss Cruises
- Front row to fireworks experience
- Custom Hoan Bridge light show synced to DJ Shawna
- 2 Complimentary Cocktails
- Digital copy of group overhead drone photo from Nate Vomhof
- VIP Custom DJ Shawna t-shirt only available on the Miss Wisconsin from Edelweiss Cruises
- Snack Bag thanks to our incredible sponsors
- T-shirt cannon
- Bubbles, light up stuff, and more!
VIP Boat Slip Experience - ONLY 1 LEFT!
Have a boat? A friend with a boat? Want to create a unique experience for your team or clients? Sponsor a boat slip to bring them to the VIP HOANCHELLA Experience!
Boat slips at Lakeshore Park will be available starting at 4pm with an overnight option included. You also have access to the slip ALL day Friday, August 18th for some more fun in the sun!
The VIP Boat Slip Experience also includes:
- One boat slip at Lakeshore State Park on 8/17 with your name placed in front of slip
- Happy Hour at Lakeshore State Park starting at 4pm with live music from Roxie Beane and beverages from Lakefront Brewery
- River cruise caravan led by the Milwaukee Fire Department, Funk Club Wagon and DJ Shawna
- Front row to fireworks experience
- Custom Hoan Bridge light show synced to DJ Shawna
- Group overhead drone photo from Nate Vomhof
- Additional DJ set from DJ Shawna at the shores of Discovery World
- VIP Custom HOANCHELLA t-shirt
- Custom Light the Hoan boat pennant
- Custom Light the Hoan cooler including (4) LED rocks glasses, (4) LED keychain, and (4) Hoan can coolers
- Wine, pre-made cocktails, beer and snacks thanks to our incredible sponsors
- Support of Light the Hoan’s mission and the first to get a bulb on the east side of the bridge
3 VIP BOAT SLIPS LEFT! REACH OUT TO SECURE!
DON’T HAVE A BOAT! REACH OUT TO US UP FOR OPTIONS.
INFO@LIGHTTHEHOAN.COM!
Boats and Tunes Riverside
Feel the pulse of the city as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by fellow music enthusiasts and locals who share your passion.
Riverwalk Viewing Areas Include:AS OF NOON ON 8/17, ALL NEW INFO WILL BE COMMUNICATED VIA SOCIAL MEDIA SITES ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.
- Pier Garden at The Starling which includes boardwalk bar with HOANCHELLA themed cocktails, and music from Milwaukee Airwaves. You can also reserve a table for up to 4 of your friends and includes one free drink ticket per person from 7pm-9pm. Purchase your VIP table below.
- “Hoan & Crockett” sponsored by Events by Design! Take advantage of this photo opportunity while being the first to dedicate a bulb on the east side of the Hoan! Patio opens at 4pm; Live DJ 6pm to 9pm.
- The Tap Yard at Schlitz Park. Celebrate Downtown Employee Appreciate Week with a beer giveaway from 5pm – 8pm! BONUS: Trivia starts at 7pm!
- Lakefront Brewery will be providing live music. This is also the turn around point for the boat cruise.
What you will experience
Join us for an unforgettable event featuring overnight boat slips at Lakeshore State Park, an orchestrated boat cruise, a synchronized light show on the Hoan Bridge to DJ Shawna, music by the Funktoon’s pontoon, and spectacular fireworks.
This celebration of the Fresh Coast not only unites residents and visitors but also serves as a kickoff for lighting the East side of the Hoan Bridge, showcasing Milwaukee’s charm and inviting the world to experience our city’s magic.
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