It’s not one of MIlwaukee’s ethnic festivals. Or church festivals.
It’s something of a cross between celebrating a street, a neighborhood and an attitude.
We asked a few participants at the July 26 edition for their thoughts.
John Eben and Nancy Munroe
Background: Eben lives on Brady Street, and has been coming on-and-off for 10 years. Munroe lives in Brookfield.
Favorites: Seeing the total transformation of his street into a “tourist destination,” Eben said. “I know the area, and it’s cool to bring people from all over into my ‘hood,” he said.
He also enjoys visiting the different music stages. “I think they do a good job of highlighting local bands and giving them exposure,” he said.
Munroe said she loved seeing the interesting variety of people all coming together. And like her boyfriend, she enjoyed the music.
Gayle Boyden and Eric Simmons
Background: Boyden is from Nashville, and this was her first time attending. Simmons has lived in downtown Milwaukee for a year.
Favorites: Simmons said the festival embraces the spirit of Milwaukee.
Stacy and Eric Olson
Background: The couple lives in Franklin. They’ve been attending for several years.
Favorites: The Olsons said the spirit of Milwaukee is reflected by the friendliness of the people at the festival. They enjoy the diversity of food, the people on Brady Street, and the local music.
Eric Olsen also loves having the access streets closed, so people can roam freely. “To be able to walk down Brady Street when everything is closed, it’s amazing,” he said.
They go to Brady Street regularly, so being there for the festival is especially fun.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bands, food, shops, and oh, the people: Brady Street Festival has its own special vibe
Reporting by Rose Androwich, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
