Local vendors welcome delegates at Convention Fest during RNC

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – There is a lot of excitement inside Fiserv Forum, and there is a big Milwaukee welcome to convention-goers outside the stadium as well.

Convention Fest started at 2:00 p.m. Monday outside the Baird Center, with more than 70 booths selling merch, gifts, food and more.

There are tents from across the nation, but many of the vendors are from the Milwaukee area.

It's one of several chances this week to make an impression on delegates, allowing them to see what the city has to offer.

We spoke to vendors who said regardless of political affiliation, it has been exciting to be in this environment and to meet people from around the country.

"I hope they just notice how great the city is honestly," said Gregory Harris from Brew City Brand, a Milwaukee t-shirt company. "We have a lot of really nice people, great people. That's all I've been hearing since I've been out here today, like people who are not from here, they say we're really nice."

"There's a great energy down here. We've been down here since this morning," said Katie Kemp with L'Bri Pure 'N Natural, a skincare company from Mukwonago. "There's a nice support system in the vendors too. So, we're just really excited to be here and to welcome people to Wisconsin."

The fair is a way for the convention to connect with small businesses in the city.

Convention Fest continues through Thursday.