Locust Street Festival returns after 3-year hiatus

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 44th annual Locust Street Festival -- a Riverwest tradition that features live music, great food and drinks and local vendors.

It is the first time in three years that the festival is back, and people are definitely not letting the weather stop them from enjoying all of the fun going on.

The festival started back in 1976.

Officials say the City of Milwaukee was planning to widen Locust Street between Humboldt and Holton back in the 70s.

But the Riverwest community decided to push back.

Luckily, the city agreed, and so the community threw a party to celebrate.

That party is now known as the Locust Street Fest.

Organizers say events like today's are especially important when it comes to supporting small local businesses -- as the money that is spent here stays in the area.

"This is all about community, it’s all about the diversity of the community, it’s all about the richness of the community and the fact that most of the businesses that are here are owner operated. If you come to a business in Riverwest, it’s very likely you’re going to be dealing with the owner," said Tim Eichinger, owner of Black Husky Brewing.

The Locust Street Festival goes on until 8:00 p.m. tonight.