Bastille Days wasn’t the only Mardi Gras-type revelry happening in Milwaukee last weekend. On Saturday the New Belgium Tour de Fat made a stop at Veteran’s Park in front of McKinley Marina. I spent the afternoon cruising around on my bike, so it was only natural that I ended up there.
The morning started with a costumed bike parade, and music from Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe rounded out the afternoon. There was plenty of wacky entertainment, giant games (many were made of recycled bike parts) and a even a circus tent with a surprise show inside. I regret to inform that I did not enter to see what was inside. I was too busy eating Mamacitas Tamales and learning about composting at the various stations throughout the grounds. New Belgium was selling its famous Fat Tire, along with other brews. My favorite was the light and crisp Shift lager.
The Bicycle Federation Wisconsin had a strong presence at the festival and reaped the proceeds from a girl who decided to trade in her car for a bike. Of course there was a grandiose ceremony that involved ominous drumming and one lucky girl being carried around in a giant replica of a car. I am sure its difficult to conjure up these images in your head. See photos below to believe it and don’t miss it next year.
The Tour continues on to Chicago and Minneapolis before it heads west and wraps up in October.
Follow me on Twitter as @jkashou to stay on top of what’s happening around town or search #GirlAboutTown.
