Protests, parties, and a debate: Milwaukee ready to host major events throughout the city

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee plays host to the first Republican presidential debate at Fiserv Forum Wednesday, Aug. 23. 

Local businesses say they're avoiding the downtown area altogether while others say the debate will set the stage for election season. 

“I actually stood at the first debate next to Donald Trump in Cleveland eight years ago," said former Gov. Scott Walker. 

Former Governor Scott Walker knows firsthand what it's like to prep and be a part of a debate. He says with multiple candidates battling it out on stage, there has to be a standout moment for voters to feel a connection.

“I watch for who’s the most dynamic, who’s the most powerful who has the most passion and at the same time who is the most believable," said Walker. 

One woman who lives in downtown Milwaukee, Mary Kehoe, admitted she will not be watching the debate. 

"Unfortunately, I think the last couple elections I think that a lot of people, including myself, just vote for the lesser of the two…there’s not real good choices I don’t feel like," said Kehoe. 

Nearby at the Wisconsin Convention Center, local businesses will share their products and services at a private fair with visitors and organizations who will be in town for the Republican National Convention (RNC) next July. 

"The focus of this is for those small businesses, those local businesses from Milwaukee to really present what they have to offer, we are expecting something like 300 vendors to be at that fair," said Tommy Pigott, director of strategic communications for the RNC. 

The debate will start at 8 p.m. and last around two hours. To learn more about the event, CLICK HERE.