LIGHT THE HOAN’S “HOANCHELLA” KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN TO LIGHT EAST SIDE OF HOAN BRIDGE
Unique event will celebrate Milwaukee landmark while raising awareness to light up lake-facing side.
MILWAUKEE – Light the Hoan, the nonprofit organization responsible for illuminating the Hoan Bridge, has announced HOANCHELLA, an electrifying event that will take place on the Milwaukee River and shores of Lake Michigan on August 17, 2023, in collaboration with the Milwaukee Bucks official DJ & Producer, DJ Shawna. The event will serve as the launch of Light the Hoan’s campaign to illuminate the east side of the iconic Hoan Bridge, transforming the Milwaukee skyline and showcasing Milwaukee organizations and causes.
“HOANCHELLA represents a way for Milwaukee to come together, celebrate the beauty of the lit Hoan bridge and show its support to seeing the project through to completion,” said Light the Hoan Executive Director, Erika Smith. “When the east side of the Hoan bridge is lit, that same unique character will be on display up against the Milwaukee skyline. Imagine approaching Milwaukee from Lake Michigan and seeing the east side of the Hoan lit up and reflecting off the surface of the water. That is a powerful first impression for the city and we believe it will be a point of pride for Milwaukeeans now and for future generations.”
Tickets for HOANCHELLA are available NOW at hoanchella.com. Attendees can choose from two exclusive experiences: VIP Cruise tickets will grant access to a cruise on the Miss Wisconsin for a front-row view of the fireworks and two exclusive DJ sets by DJ Shawna. For those who’d prefer to enjoy HOANCHELLA from their private boats, 18 available VIP Boat Experience tickets include a boat slip at Lakeshore Park. Land spectators are also encouraged to participate from soon-to-be-announced special viewing areas along the Milwaukee Riverwalk.
“HOANCHELLA will be the most unique event of the summer, and reflect the fresh, innovative thinking that drove us to light up the bridge in the first place,” said Ian Abston, Board Vice President of Light the Hoan and President of The Hoan Group. “We’re excited to celebrate Milwaukee’s bright and vibrant future with the community and invite everyone to join us in sharing our love for our city.”
DJ Shawna, official DJ and Producer of the Milwaukee Bucks will be headlining HOANCHELLA aboard the Miss Wisconsin as it floats down the Milwaukee River and into the marina. DJ Shawna’s electrifying music will be synced with a light show on the Hoan Bridge, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening. The event will culminate in a fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and further accentuating the beauty of Milwaukee’s waterfront.
“The goal of this extraordinary event is to create a multi-sensory extravaganza that pushes the boundaries of entertainment, offering an unforgettable experience for attendees,” said DJ Shawna. “By leveraging the city’s architectural wonders and natural beauty, this unique spectacle creates a sense of civic pride and positions Milwaukee as a beacon of innovation and creativity.”
The event will begin around 7 p.m. at Lakeshore Park and make its way along the Milwaukee River, turning around at Lakefront Brewery at 7:45 p.m. Attendees will then return to the Hoan Bridge, where DJ Shawna will take the stage at 8 p.m., ensuring an energetic finale to the night’s festivities.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit hoanchella.com.
ABOUT LIGHT THE HOAN
A collective of local business and civic leaders, Light the Hoan is nonprofit lighting up and uniting Milwaukee. In May 2018, the group launched a public crowdsourcing campaign to help raise more than $3.5 million to illuminate the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge, the iconic tied-arch bridge spanning nearly two miles across Interstate 794. Since 2020, Light the Hoan has illuminated the city’s iconic bridge, creating awareness for local non-profits, providing valuable tech and creative experiences for Milwaukee’s young professionals, and serving as a source of pride for the community.