blogs.kxly.com

I don’t think I’ve ever shared this here before, but I am a proud native of the wonderful city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was born there - at the official hospital of the Milwaukee Brewers (who were good back then, I swear). I moved away when I was four, but went back at least once a year throughout my childhood. Then, I returned to Brew City to attend college at Marquette University. I am a proud defender of that city and all its’ attributes. It’s a city full of festivals, different cultures, cheese and - yes - a LOT of beer. It was also the setting for one of America’s iconic sitcoms… and, today, the prodigal son of Milwaukee came home!

That’s the Fonz… in Bronze! More than 500 people turned out along Milwaukee’s Riverwalk today to see the original Fonz Henry Winkler unveil the 5′6″ likeness of his former alter ego (and, in true Milwaukee fashion, they handed out free frozen custard to the crowd). Organizers had to raise nearly $100,000 to make it happen, but I’m so glad they did. Milwaukee is known for only a few things: beer (and, there are plenty of breweries to visit to pay homage), bratwurst (you can get a good brat pretty much anywhere) and Happy Days. Now, at least there’s a place you can pay tribute to the original King of Cool.

I especially love seeing this picture of where the statue is located. It’s right on the Milwaukee River - where I spent most early mornings in college as a coxswain for the Marquette University Rowing Team. It will be a nice point of reference for those coxswains: once they hit the Fonz statue, start your turn - or you’ll never make it under the Wisconsin Bridge.

I can’t wait to see it myself… with a brat in my hand, of course.

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