Two of the tastiest parts of last year’s NFL draft weekend are returning to downtown Green Bay for one big spring outdoor event.
The Washington Street Block Party from noon to 7 p.m. April 25 will bring the Booyah Battle and Uncle Mike’s Kringle Combine back and pair them with polka and punk bands and a new Green Bay Bike Bash.
The rain-or-shine event will spread out along the 100 block of Washington Street. Here’s an early look at the party plans from Downtown Green Bay Inc.:
Booyah Battle
When: Noon-3 p.m.
What’s happening: Eleven local booyah chefs, including one team of two, will have their vegetables chopped and their kettles ready as they brew up big batches of the chicken-based Belgian soup that’s a staple at northeast Wisconsin church picnics and other fundraisers. Visitors can purchase a $20 tasting punch card on the day of (while supplies last) for one sample of each of the 10 recipes as well as a voting ticket to choose their favorite.
The booyah chefs are:
The chef who wins best booyah receives $500 and the runner-up wins $250. Proceeds will support Downtown Green Bay initiatives, including events, public art, lighting and streetscape improvements.
Uncle Mike’s Kringle Combine
When: Noon-3 p.m.
What’s happening: In case anyone ever needed another reason to indulge in kringle, Uncle Mike’s Bake Shoppe will have several limited-edition, never-before-made flavors for visitors to sample. Each will be tied to a local celebrity. Kringle flavors and celebs will be announced at a later date.
A $5 donation gets you in the Kringle Combine; all proceeds will be donated to the Salvation Army of Green Bay. Kringle and other Uncle Mike’s baked goods will also be available for sale.
Green Bay Bike Bash
When: Noon-7 p.m.
What’s happening: Presented by the Green Bay Bicycle Collective, it will feature a vintage and specialty bike show and swap meet, Flatland BMX demo at 6 p.m. and bicycle games at the top of each hour. Free youth helmets and a tie-dye station also will be available.
Bands
Despite cold and wet weather during the inaugural Booyah Battle held during the draft, turnout was still strong to taste booyah made by 13 area nonprofits and their chefs. The Belgian Heritage Center and chef Brian Delwiche took home top honors, both as voted by the public and by a panel of judges.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-431-8347 or kmeinert@greenbay.gannett.com. Follow her on X @KendraMeinert.
This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Booyah Battle chefs, bands revealed for new downtown Green Bay party
Reporting by Kendra Meinert, Green Bay Press-Gazette / Green Bay Press-Gazette
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