RiverSplash!

[1] The event drew an attendance of 150,000 to 175,000 people and was spread out over ten city blocks.

It featured ten music stages and 40 bands, along with a marketplace, boat rentals, fireworks, and street performers.

Festivities began with opening ceremonies and a Great Paddle-Off between politicians and civic leaders at Pere Marquette Park, a central location along the river which hosts the Miller Genuine Draft Park Stage and other key events.

On a December 22nd, 2009 press release, board member Marsha Sehler of the Milwaukee Riverwalk District stated that the 2009 season was to be the last RiverSplash.

“RiverSplash has had a successful 20-year run, but festivals are costly ventures and have their life cycles.