All right, let's see what's going on in downtown. There's always something going on. The
Christmas tree is going up. Wait, wait, that's in December. I'm sorry. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
Slow down. Well, Christmas and July start. How did that begin? Well, it's halfway there.
I know, but everything is Chris. We have neighbors who hang Christmas lights up and put the
wreath out and everything. Yeah, they do it for Christmas in July. Really? Yeah. Okay.
All right, Kelly, Kelly, Chris is here. She's executive director of the downtown
Racine Corporation. Her, her job is to make sure she packs downtown with people to make sure
there are events to bring you to downtown. Yeah, then I'm talking to someone. We're talking
about Regency Mall. How is demolishing everything? The original plan of Elmwood Plaza was to,
and we had it. We did a three-part special on Elmwood Plaza, the history of it dating back
to when they began. Elmwood Plaza said, I forget downtown, come tell with Plaza. Then the mall said,
hey, forget Elmwood Plaza, come to the mall. Well, the mall's gone. Elmwood Plaza's there.
Everything wasn't what it used to be, but downtown is so vibrant. I mean, it's like, you can't stop it.
Yeah, I'm just so proud of the downtown businesses that have endured so much over the,
you mean, gosh, I mean, talk about going through major construction, going through COVID shutdowns,
going through people shopping habits completely flipped upside down. And yet, we're still standing.
What's that song? And what's the clothing store? It's on the west side of the street. They
would have a great picture window, dimples. Yeah, clothing, gifts, jewelry, amazing, like
silver jewelry collection there too. It is, like, named the best store probably year after year
for best of race scene. She does buying trips like out of the country probably five times a year.
So these are all things that you can't get on Amazon. Literally, like, these are really unique
finds, but yeah, their clothing is awesome. I have so much, I'm almost always wearing something
from there. I loved to watch their picture window. Yeah, they just went in. I passed it by in
the morning and when I come home again in the morning. And they were still a great job. Now,
they want an award. You did picture window awards at one time. Oh, yeah. So every year,
we do a holiday window decorating. Decorating. So yeah, they, they just, I know, and it's such a
beautiful window space and they, they do it just right. And it's seasonal and it makes you want
to go into the store, which is, it's working. Yeah, that's the whole idea. And you don't see picture,
you don't see those window decorations anymore. When I was a kid, we used to stroll Fifth Avenue.
This is New York City. And look at the living windows of Lord and Taylor department store.
They spent all year putting together these living windows and there were Christmas scenes of
things moving. The lines going around the block just to see the windows of these stores at
Christmas time. And that's an art that's, I guess, except for downtown. It's not
that there are some other stores that do a really nice windows play art metal studio,
plum gold, plum silver. I mean, there are really some wonderful ones. But yeah, during the
holidays, we'll, I'll be back. We'll talk holidays. But let's talk summertime. All right,
let's talk summertime. Hey market square. Now people say, Hey market. Hey market square.
Yeah, it's a monument square. Well, yes, but it originally was always called Hey market. And so
it was only fitting that we name it Hey market. Obviously, because it's a market. It's on
monument square, which used to be called a market. And I have a photograph of the hay wagons
that used to park there and sold their hay at Hey market square. Yeah, this event has really
exploded this year. It's the first time we're, you know, we have had a night market in the past
where we were partnering with, um, with another group. Um, but now we've, we run it all on our own
and we really just changed some things up. We got a better variety of vendors, live music,
beer garden. I mean, this, the square is so packed. It's over 50 vendors and you're probably like,
how can you even fit that many? So you will not be bored when you're down there. There is,
you know, all of your favorites, you know, jams, honeys, homemade, uh, canned goods. But then
there's also food trucks and like lemonade stands that they do an amazing job. Um, it is just a
really cool atmosphere. It is very vibrant. It's like buzzing. You got really, we have mark path
graph is playing this year. So it's always like cool acoustic music in the background. It just
kind of fits the vibe. So it's a nice night market to do. Yeah, stock up while you can and also
tons of chairs. We really got that thing set out so it can relax. Finally, yeah, it took us a
couple of years to use to just be like this blank slate. I'm like, this does not feel like,
unless party on the pavement was happening, it just always felt so big and open and nowhere to sit.
So now we've got permanent tables on brellas too for the heat. Um, and so yeah, it's, it's nice.
And before when I first came here to recene, it was, uh, it was a big reflecting pool there
with a grassy area. And it wasn't like it is today, we used to sit around. But the monument is
still there. And we didn't get rid of the monument. Candids are still there. What is the,
what's that bird that's always on top of the soldier's head? There's always a pigeon on
always. If you look up at when you drive by, monument's great, look at top of the soldier's
head and you will see a bird up there. Oh, it's all day long. You know, uh, the building,
which is just north of Haymarket Square, Monument Square, there's a building there. They just
were building. Yeah. Yeah. There's always seagulls sitting up there. Yes. And my wife calls them
the commission and they're looking down to make sure everything's as it should be. The commission
is watching. Yeah. I can't wait for that building to get reimagined again. That actually is called
the Haymarket building. Oh, it's really. Yeah. But if you look, um, just behind that on Wisconsin,
there and fifth, they're actually tearing down the old YWCA right now. They just started the
demolition. Well, it had to happen. They have tried so many times to make it work and to save it.
And there's just no saving it. So it, you know, Hotel Verdant, the Dominion properties, they're
the ones that have that property and they're going to do amazing things with it. They're putting,
yeah, they're putting in over 10 million dollars into this redevelopment of the whole area.
So we have a lot coming for that, which is really great. Okay. Now the Haymarket Square is not just
on July 10th. It's, it's several times. Yeah. It's every other week. So, yeah. So we'll have,
this is our third one. We have seven total. So try to, you know, make it there. And I'm
serious. Stock up all you can because we know it comes in the fall. Everyone's going to be like,
oh, I'm out of that jam. I'd like to that. I wanted a couple of things happening on July 11. Blue's
brews and barbecue first Fridays and also salmon arama. Yeah. So so much is happening on downtown
this Friday. So number one, we have our first Fridays. The theme is blues, brews and barbecue.
So we have the IV Ford band that will be there. They are an amazing internationally known blues
band. She's a wonderful singer. We have free brew samples throughout downtown. So you can check out
our social media page and our website for the map of every place where you can get free brew samples.
And of course, we're highlighting barbecue. So we have about four or five barbecue food trucks
on Monument Square. And then of course, like reef point brew house will be featuring featuring
barbecue on their menu as they always do, but doing some fun things. Plus during first Fridays,
we have something called the creative crawl, which is sort of this sub theme for families and art
lovers where we've got about 10 businesses that are hosting live demonstrations. They have artists
that are right there on site doing literally like live art in front of you. We have a passport system
where if you go to all these locations, you get your passport stamped and you can win all these
different prizes and gift cards just for going to five locations. So again, you can check out our
socials for more info on the creative crawl. And then on top of that on Friday, we're having three
ribbon cuttings in downtown receipt. All right. Three new businesses being born. Yes.
They sent out the birth announcements. And let's talk about it. Okay. So yes. So we're starting off
the day at 4.30 p.m. the ribbon cutting of the new cafe. Yes. It's called the new cafe.
And that's where the dewey's used to be. Yes. Exactly. It's on the corner of main and sixth. And it is
breakfast and lunch place probably real like an egg heavy or breakfast kind of Mexican inspired.
So wonderful like the menu is just to die for. When you send me the notes at new cafe, I said,
I know it's a new cafe. What's the name of it? Oh my gosh. When I posted on social media, it was
sort of like that who's on first because there was about 50 comments and everyone was saying,
what's the name and everyone's saying new cafe? They're like, but what's the name? And it was
50 comments of people that didn't see the previous comments. And I'm like, it was like who's on first?
It really was. I'm thinking, oh my gosh. So yeah. So 4.30 will be doing the new cafe. At 5 o'clock,
we are doing the ribbon cutting of mojafers on main. That is on the 200 block of main right next
to uncorked. And that used to be called the Marcy's on main. But these are completely new owners.
They've really completely renovated the space. They're a completely different vibe. Young couples,
a young couple owns it and they've really put their heart and soul into this business. They move
from Illinois to here just to open this. So talk about just a really cool,
entrepreneurial. I love like, I love families that are entrepreneurial spirit like that.
And then at 5.30, we go down to 6th Street at 509 6th Street and we are doing the ribbon cutting
of tulip tavern. And that's basically right across the street from Indian motorcycle and the
Nash. And they even have ski ball in this. You remember the old ski ball? Now let me tell you
some of that ski ball. Let's grow it up. We had a boardwalk where we lived in Queens and
they had ski ball there. It was 10 cents. And they even had it at the county fairs,
but the Racine County Fairs got it too. And I would go, my mother would give me a handful of
dimes and I'd spend all day playing ski ball. I don't know. And I became a pretty, even at the
county fair here in Racine and in Union Grove, I can hit that 51 by 40. And once I get in the rhythm,
I can get it over and over and over. That's the money spot. I mean, on that ticket machine,
just burn in tickets coming. Everybody loves ski ball. It doesn't matter how old or young
you are. It's something about. Yeah. So they have a really old school ski ball machine in there.
Again, a young couple that owns that that has put their heart and soul into opening this
business. I mean, this is what I love about downtowns and entrepreneurs. We forget about how much
goes into opening a business and how much blood, sweat and tears goes into it. I mean, they
anxiety, anxiety. They're putting their whole life savings into making improvements and buying
these buildings and working at them as well as it's just, it's amazing. And I just love that
the spirit of that that still remains in downtowns because we're so used to franchises that we
forgot about. Hey, what about us? The the spirit of owning your own business. No,
what is it? Where's the ski ball machine again? 5096 Street. That is right across the street from
Indian motorcycle. And the okay, yeah, all right. To look tavern. It's a really beautiful facade,
a few drive-by, you'll say, oh, wow, that looks so different than it used to. I got a bank
rep them when I play because all the tickets are going to come out and I'm going to be cash in a man.
There you go. They say, hey, who's this ringer who came in here? It's so cute. They have these
really big like two upside down tulip light lights over the bar. Yeah. I mean, they've really
done a nice job. So we have three ribbon cuttings on Friday plus leading right into the first
Fridays with this really fun theme. And then on top of that, Sam and Ramakick's off.
Bishfest. So I mean, be downtown this weekend. I mean, it's it's going to be nice. Okay,
now here's something else. The sound your list here because when you put this list together,
it wasn't a sure thing. They were seeing concert band now plays at festival park. And this week,
they're going to do it every Sunday night through mid August. And we were under the tent the other day,
the beer tent, which is with skinny rank used to be. And this Sunday, I believe, I believe they're
going to be indoors. They're testing at each venue. They're going to be indoors at festival hall.
And then for the rest of the summer, they're going to be on the grass at festival park.
Yeah. So it should be given that's the vaccine concert band every Sunday night. It's seven o'clock.
It's free. There's no charge. And just come on down, park your car and bring a chair with you
in your own sense. Yeah. The parking is free on Sundays too. Yeah. They don't meet us anymore.
They took them off down my festival park. They took the meters off. Oh, is it paid by phone now
on the regular day? I think so. There's no meters. Yeah. So then you have to use the app. What if
you don't have an app? You're going to get a ticket. Actually, I was speaking to somebody in the
city government and they said eventually they're going to put a one of those pay by pay. Yeah, pay,
pay by. Yeah, you put your wherever parking space you're in and you put the money in the thing.
And that that that will be a nice improvement because then you also it will say you wanted to go
to three different stores downtown. It follows your plate, not your spot. So you can keep
re-parking if you need it. Yeah, I'm not going to give the city my credit card.
Who knows what's going to happen. But I don't know the timeline on that. So we'll see. Yeah,
but you're right. It's free parking for a lot of times during the what is it after a certain hour?
Well, yeah, obviously every Sunday, it's free. Okay. After six p.m. That's what we need. Okay,
good. What's next? I lost track. Okay, so then we're going to continue the momentum on Saturday
and downtown. We're seeing we have Saturday sounds on the square. The band will be featuring
our very own Eddie Munez, who's a wonderful keyboardist and he's putting together some all stars
for this. But Saturday sounds on the square is basically just this really laid back Saturday
on monument square. We've got all these different vendors out there. We've got a couple food trucks.
We always have a great band. And you know, it's just sort of like sit back, relax, and chill,
and enjoy the summertime. So Saturday sounds. And then of course,
Sam and Ram will continue. So when you're downtown, make the stop at both both.
Okay, so Saturday sounds every Saturday at Haymarket Square. And then you've also got the
every other Saturday is the Haymarket. The Haymarket. Yes. In August. Now scoop the loop. I had never
heard of that phrase before. Jim and Carol, who are at Racine Historians came in. And they were talking
about scooping the loop. They actually did a program on it at, um, yes, going around. Yeah, scooping
the loop. And I never heard of that phrase before. And what it is, you start at one end of main street.
You go all the way down and then you make a left turn. You go down one of the other street. It's
some person, right? Whatever. Yeah, then purging and then back around to the monument square area.
And then you just keep on cruising around and around your car and your lady. Yeah. And it's
called scooping the loop. And I never heard of that phrase before. But obviously you got to scoop
the loop. First Friday is coming up. Yes, this is such a fun theme. So of course, it's basically a
throwback to 50s and 60s. We have a wonderful vintage car show that'll be happening down there
with about 50 different cars. We have all the King's Men, which you know is an Elvis Tribute Band
playing on monument square. Yeah, they're always super fun. And then downtown, throw, downtown,
where they'll be, you know, all sorts of throwbacks, which is just, I don't know, every, I think it's
so fun when, when grandparents bring their kids down there and, you know, our parents and just say,
you're back, what do they say? Back to the good old days. They thought the one saying that now,
back in the good old days, we used to have a phone. We had a stick your finger in the
yes. I even had that. We used to have this thing called our record. You put this needle on it.
Yeah, I always think of like Greece, you know, with, with the pink jackets and the skirts and
the black leather jackets on the guys. Yeah, the total skirts. And then what were the,
what were the name of the pink girls and the movie grease? Oh, yeah, I know we're talking about,
someone's going to have to call in and we want to, I once interviewed,
DD, what's her name? Um, she was one of the pink girls. She was the one with the,
pink panthers, maybe? No, no, no, no. Anyway, I interviewed her. I got her in a bad mood though.
She was up at the radio stage, not this one, another one I worked at and we were interviewing her
of some events she was tied in. So I'm talking about Greece. And she's probably sick of talking
about it. And she was the one with the, she ran the beauty shop. Yes, the red hair with the curls.
Curly right here. Yeah, she didn't want to do the interview. She was not in the good mood that day
and every answer was one word and we got to interview anyway. Okay, so and going through the month
of August, every Saturday, you have Saturday sounds and music on the monument is on Fridays
and then you've got every other week, the hay market market. Yeah, so we are just pumping it out.
All right. And that, boy, that's every week. But also what's really cool on August second is
the River River Festival. Oh, yeah, right here. I missed it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. So this is,
this will be the second year of this event. And it takes place throughout downtown, obviously,
along the river. And there's everything from a 5k to fireworks at the end of the night to the
cardboard boat races at the Harbor Lake Yacht Club, the free sailing buses at the Racine Yacht Club.
Doesn't cardboard sink? Yeah, so it says, if you haven't seen this yet, you are missing out.
This is like a Racine tradition, but everyone has to arrive that morning and they get so many
hours and all they can use is cardboard and duct tape. And new this year is a kids division.
And they have to be able to get across the river with two people in their boat. Oh, you have to
get in it. You have to get in it, float it and paddle it across the river in cardboard and duct tape.
And then there's obviously like first responders that are literally sitting in the river because a lot
of the boats don't make it, but there's always a couple that do. So it's hilarious.
I goodness. If you look into that thing in two seconds, and you can actually kind of watch it
from over that state street bridge, if you look over. Okay. Yeah. That sounds fun.
One other thing is Landa, we had something on the, what was it? How did you do something
to Chi River? Forget what it was. Anyway, they had anything you can float, but it couldn't be a real
boat. It had to be like a bathtub or something like that. And these people would set out and
immediately with a second half, them would sink into the Chattahoochi River Chattahoochi. And it
would sink. This is where they filmed the movie Deliverance. And everybody was trying to float
something and they had people with cardboard boats and immediately right down. Well, these people
make it work. I don't know. I don't know. You really have to. Okay. So the river. So Saturday,
August 2nd is it's part of the River Fest, which is basically just a festival throughout downtown
that will include, you know, like I said, 5K events, free sailing lessons, their cardboard boat
race, live music throughout. Just a lot. Oh, the Venetian Knights will end the night with Venetian
Knights. The boat parade. I have photos on my phone when I went to. It's just beautiful, the lights.
Yeah. So they bring. So that whole day, you can just basically walk around the river area. So all
of the yacht clubs are involved. And of course, like the Chattahooom Bridge Tender, Festival Park,
Reef Point Brewhouse. How are those new restaurants doing? The ones that opened up there.
Chattahooom Bridge Tender. Yeah, they're both doing great. So and like in the summertime,
it's back to when it used to be where like that center area. I don't know if you remember maybe
about 20 years ago. It used to be called like Living Stins and the Chattahooom. So Living Stins
was where Bridge Tender Tavern was. But at night, you know, you could walk between the two restaurants
and there was just like this really cool vibe and live music. And it's back to having that again.
So I like when people just pull up their boats and park it and go up there. They park the boats. It's
just a really, and it's a beautiful scene, beautiful sunsets. That's a nice clean water too.
Yeah. Bridge Tender has a really great homemade pizza. So if you like a good homemade pizza,
something different than your typical, you know, Derango's and facinos, which of course,
we have wonderful pizza throughout the scene, but they have a really, really good homemade pizza there.
Quick, quick review, three new businesses opening up, ribbon cutting coming up on this Friday.
I asked before 30 at the new cafe, five o'clock at Mahoffer's Unmain and 530 at Tulip Tavern.
All right. Three new babies being born. Yes. And we've got about six to eight that are on
getting close to that finish line. So it's really exciting. That takes us through August coming
it. And when you come in next time, we'll talk about the fall. I hate to talk about the fall
because then it means summer's over. And I feel bad. Let's not talk about the fall right now.
All right. We got so much going on. Don't forget every single Saturday. It's Saturday sounds.
Yes. Every other week, it's the Hey market. Hey market market. Exactly. Yes.
Yes. And every Friday, there's always going to be live music, whether it's music on the
monument or first Friday. So every, basically, every Friday, Saturday, if you come downtown in the
afternoons from about four to eight, you'll always find something to do. And keep in mind,
everything we talked about is online. This is where I got the schedule from. Just go to the
downtown Racine Corporation, downtown Racine, just Google it and go to schedule and you'll see
everything we talked about in further detail, I might add. Absolutely. Thank you very much for
coming in. Thank you so much. You're having me. It's always fun. Kelly Cruz executive director
of the downtown Racine Corporation. Something's always going on downtown.
