Glendale, WI – On Wednesday, June 4th, Milwaukee’s first travelling beer garden since the 1800’s makes its appearance in the Root River Parkway South Picnic Area 1 (S. 92nd St. and W. College Ave.). Given the historical significance of parks to Milwaukee’s community, it is fitting that the Root River Parkway be selected as the first site for Sprecher’s traveling beer garden. In 2013, the Root River Parkway was listed in the National Register of Historical Places. According to a Wisconsin Historical Society press release, “The parkway and related gardens and golf course, were built by laborers in the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Works Progress Administration, the Department of Outdoor Relief, the National Youth Administration, and the Civil Works Administration.” (Quoted from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, “Root River Parkway listed in National Register of Historic Places.” February 14, 2013)
The result of a partnership between Sprecher Brewing Company and the Milwaukee County Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture, the traveling beer garden will consist of a tap trailer and a concessions stand. In its past life the tap truck was actually a Fire Truck (1974 Hahn IH Loadstar 1700 Field Truck) built for Jackson Township, New Jersey; it was most recently in service in Hiles, Wisconsin. Thanks to Paul Wenninger of PPT Inc in Slinger, Wisconsin, the Fire Truck–which was once used to extinguish brush fires–transformed into a tap trailer. Named “85” to commemorate the year Sprecher Brewery was established, the traveling beer garden will offer a variety of Sprecher beers and sodas as well as Sprecher Hard Root Beer, Hard Ginger Beer, cocktails and Root Beer Floats (made with regular Sprecher Root Beer or Hard Root Beer for those 21+) for purchase during its hours of operation– 4pm-10pm during the week, and 11am-10pm on the weekends–with last call for alcohol at 9pm. The traveling beer garden will stay in Root River Parkway South Picnic Area 1 Wednesday, June 4th through Sunday, June 15th.
For the inaugural kick-off, the wide array of beer offerings includes something for every palate: Abbey Triple, American Pale Ale, Black Bavarian, Firelight, Hefe Weiss, IPA2 Pub Brown Ale, Summer Pils, and a “Mystery Firkin” beer that will be tapped June 4th. Beers are served in a souvenir glass of varying sizes, from a 16 ounce pint to a 64 ounce growler you can share with friends. Customers keep the souvenir glass, which they can have refilled whenever they visit the traveling beer garden. Beer flights (a selection of five 5oz beers), and a cheese and beer flight (five cheeses paired with five 5oz beers) are also available. Sodas on tap include: Cream Soda, Orange Dream and Root Beer. Customers can purchase a tap soda in a souvenir pint glass or a plastic kiddie cup. Nine (9) additional Sprecher sodas will be available in bottles.
There will be ADA accessible seating available for 200 people. Picnic Area 1 has a playground.
Also part of the traveling beer garden, a concessions trailer featuring an extensive menu of finger foods made locally with Sprecher ingredients including pizza, popcorn, soft pretzels and cheese flights. Ice cream and Sprecher sorbets will be available to order individually or as part of a float.
Come early; bring your friends and family. Enjoy one of Milwaukee County’s most gorgeous parks and have a Sprecher on us. To those who arrive early June 4th to help us kick off our stay in Root River Parkway, we’re offering FREE servings of Sprecher Root Beer and for those over 21, beer from the Mystery Firkin.
“We are really excited about this partnership with the Milwaukee County Parks Department. There’s a genuine interest in buying locally produced food and beverages. Well, with this partnership we’re taking it to another level: taste, discover and enjoy local. Milwaukee County has a phenomenal parks system. If you need to have a staycation, or just want to spend some quality time with friends and family, there’s really no better place to do it. We truly appreciate the opportunity to visit six (6) parks this summer and provide our community with a family-friendly beer garden experience. No two park visits will be exactly the same. We have a lot of fun and games in the works, so stay tuned.” said Jeff Hamilton, president of Sprecher.
Traveling Beer Garden Schedule:
- Root River Parkway South Picnic Area 1: June 4-June 15
- Coast Guard Station Area near McKinley Marina: June 18-June 29
- Doctors Park: July 2-July 13
- Red Arrow Park: July 16-July 27
- Greene Park: July 30-August 10
- Falk Park: August 13-August 24
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 4pm-10pm. Saturday and Sunday, 11am-10pm.
About Sprecher Brewing Company
Maker of award-winning beers and gourmet sodas, Sprecher Brewing Company is Milwaukee’s first brewery since Prohibition. Established in 1985, Sprecher remains a leader in Wisconsin’s craft brewing industry.
Sprecher Brewing Company is located at 701 W. Glendale Ave, Glendale, WI, 53209. Visit our Gift Shop, or join us for a tour by calling 414.964.2739.
To learn more visit us on the web: www.sprecherbrewery.com.