Date of Event

July 21, 2012 -
July 21, 2012

Event Location

Upper Lake Park
Port Washington, WI 53074
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Description of Event:

The 48th celebration promises more of the excitement, entertainment and family fun on the third Saturday in July. But the day-long celebration is more than just fun, games and food. Fish Day has been the financial lifeline for nine civic organizations that run the fish and chips stands throughout the day, just as they have since 1964. The stands profits are turned back to the community in a variety of ways, Some are easy visible from the Fish Day grounds along the Lake Michigan waterfront. Rotary Park, the harbor walk that leads to the grounds, Kiwanis Pavilion and the marina's fish cleaning stations are enjoyed by residents and visitors. Other contributions to the community are not as easy to see, but they are part of the quality of life. Scholarships, recreational programs, assistance for people who have met life-challenging problems, Scout troops, and a variety of other efforts are beneficiaries of the celebration. One of the attractions of the stands is that each of the nine organizations serves the same menu that has been prepared since the first Fish Day on August 21, 1965 -- deep-fried fish and chips, beer and soda. Volunteers have become experts at frying the fish and chips, dipping into buckets of ice to provide the orders for soda and tapping half-barrels of beer to keep the customers satisfied at the stands located along the lakefront from Upper Lake Park to the marina. Volunteers on the Fish Day committee and board of directors work year round to provide the entertainment and related activities that make the 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. event a successful celebration. There are no paid positions for this organization. The goal is to provide a great day at family friendly prices. The number of people attending each year's Fish Day shows the volunteers are meeting that goal. The parade has been part of the past Fish Day celebrations and will be a major attraction of this year as well. The parade steps off on Wisconsin Street at Walters Street and moves down St. Mary's Hill through the downtown area, turns at Grand Avenue and ends at Milwaukee Street. Music remains an integral part of the program. Stages located along the lakefront, including the main stage, are the settings for music appealing to all ages. Hours: 10 am – 6 pm (open to the public)