Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association from the Madison area put on a breathtaking Lion Dance performance using costumes, drums and dance moves at the Summer Fun Days Showcase in the Titletown District June 2 (Melinda Palzewic photo). 

BY RICH PALZEWIC
CORRESPONDENT

ASHWAUBENON – Cooler temperatures and thousands of people enjoyed the first-ever “Summer Fun Days Showcase” kickoff event in the Titletown District June 2 in Ashwaubenon near Lambeau Field.

The highlight of the day featured a free concert by the BoDeans, a Waukesha, Wisconsin, band that dates back to 1983. The Presidents and Sonic Circus also made appearances on a stage in the plaza near Ridge Road.

“The BoDeans concert was awesome, despite the rain,” said Joy Summers of Ironwood, Michigan. “When I heard they were coming to Green Bay for the event, I made plans to come down and stay with friends so I could be there most of the day for the other activities … and get a good seat for the concert that night.”

Live music with FEATherWOLF was also held on the top of Ariens Hill, where numerous kids and adults could be seen rolling down the grassy surface. Ariens Hill was the hot spot this past winter where people enjoyed tubing and ice skating.

This free event gave people a snippet of some of the things being planned over the summer in Titletown, such as weekly night markets, fitness activities, art programs, movies in the park, live music and more.

Events during the day included a zip line, face painting, Zumba classes, henna tattoos, lawn games, dance performances and art activities.

Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association from the Madison area also put on a breathtaking Lion Dance performance using costumes, drums and dance moves.

“We just got back from the national competition in Boston,” said Robert Nelson, who accompanied the performers to Green Bay. “What you saw today was the routine that we did out there. We always love coming to events like this to showcase – no pun intended – our talents. The kids put in a lot of hard work and time.”

In addition to those events that were highlighted during the showcase, the full-length football field, playground, outdoor games, 40-yard dash and various restaurants in the district will be available all summer.

The day’s activities brought out numerous families, such as Mary Webber and her two kids from Cecil, Wisconsin. The Webber family was in town for a local wedding.

“We have come to the district in the past for events, but it was good timing with us being in town to come here for the day,” said Webber. “The Packers always do such a good job of giving people free options … this day was no exception. It was a fun time and we will definitely be back later this summer.”