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CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION:::

FRIENDS OF THE MILL POND & OAK CREEK WATERCOURSE, INC. hold annual fundraising events to further our cause.  Listed below you will find some of the events that we hold as fundraisers.

THE GREAT DUCK RACE:
 

The Great Duck Race is an annual event that is held during Heritage Days at the Mill Pond.  1,000 small colorful plastic ducks (numbered on the bottom) get released into the water at the foot of the falls and race their way between the rocks to a finish line a short distance downstream, while excited onlookers and ticket holders anxiously await the outcome.  Raffle tickets with numbers coordinating with the numbered ducks are previously sold to the public to raise money for the upcoming restoration projects.  Grand Prize for this event is $500,  2nd prize is $250,  3rd prize is $100, and then the coveted Lame Duck prize, $25 is awarded to the ticket holder with the number matching the last duck to cross the finish line.

The Great Corporate Duck Race was introduced in 2007.  These ducks are larger in size and carry a flag for their business sponsors.  Winning Sponsors receive a "Traveling Duck Trophy" to display for the year, which will travel the following year to the new winning sponsor.  To be a sponsor, just fill out the Great Corporate Duck Race entry form, and mail it in with the $50 per duck entry fee.

 

2009 WINNERS LIST

 

 
GALA AT GRANT PARK:
 

GALA AT GRANT PARK is an event that is held a few times during the warm spring and summer evenings in Grant Park in Picnic Areas 5 and 6.  FRIENDS OF THE MILL POND & OAK CREEK WATERCOURSE, INC. provide snacks and refreshments for a nominal charge for the attending general public.  

The Blues and Jazz music of STEVE COHEN and the Celtic music of GARLIC MUSTARD PICKERS has been enjoyed regularly by audiences in Grant Park for  the past few years.  A wonderful evening of music, food, beverages and conversation for all who attend.  

 
 
BEACH WALK
  Friends of the Mill Pond & Oak Creek Watercourse, Inc. annually sponsor an evening BEACH WALK which is held at the Grant Park Beach located at 100 Hawthorne Avenue.  Flyers are distributed around the community to encourage participation.  Luminaries light a path along the Lake Michigan Beach area for those who participate.  There is a campfire that people can sit around and enjoy, whether just to share conversation or enjoy s'mores.   Other food and beverages are available for purchase.

 

 
STARRY NIGHT DINNER & AUCTION
  The Starry Night Dinner & Auction is a fundraising event that is co-sponsored by the Grand Park Garden Club.  Live entertainment along with an elegant dinner and fabulous auction are offered at this event.  All proceeds from this event benefit the Restoration of the South Milwaukee Mill Pond & surrounding area.
 
HOLIDAY FAIRE
 

FRIENDS OF THE MILL POND & OAK CREEK WATERCOURSE, INC. hold an annual Holiday Faire at the Grant Park Golf Club House.  This Victorian House is decorated inside with stockings hung, a Christmas tree decorated with pheasant feathers and other natural materials, a roaring fire in the fireplace and elegant swags on the windows.  A "Bake Sale" is held along with a silent auction. Lunch Specials are offered with hot apple cider or hot chocolate.  In the past, Holiday music has been beautifully performed by the South Milwaukee Middle School Orchestra students for those in attendance.  Raffle tickets are sold to those in attendance.

 
HOLIDAY TEA

 

2007 Events

 

June 24 – Strawberry Moon Fest – (Mill Pond)

October 7 – Oktoberfest (Grant Park Picnic Area 5 & 6) (Grant Park Picnic Area 5 & 6)
Friends of Grant would like to co-sponsor)

 

    Holiday Faire Raffle Winners

Robert Madecky: Basket of liquor
Cathy Sobocinski: Golf Pass
Neal Wucherer: Golf Pass w/cart
Tom Balestrieri: Golf Pass w/cart
Sue Wucherer: Zoo Pass
Sue Madecky: Cool Waters Pass
Cheryl Stahl: Cool Waters Pass
Jan Hein: Skate Rental Pass
Sue Madecky: Skate Rental Pass
Ben: Kids Pack

Silent Auction Winners

Kathy Blair: CHRISTMAS BERRIES by Thomas Balestrieri
Marilyn Geiger: MILL POND WATER COLOR by Bill Spaltholz
Patrick Garrett: SEVEN BRIDGES WATER COLOR by Bob Morgan
Gleb Bulanow: SEVEN BRIDGES PHOTOGRAPH by Mary Francis
Deb Morrison: WARMING HOUSE PHOTOGRAPH by Thomas Balestrieri
John & Isabella Gargulak: MOTORCYCLE SANTA from Village Gifts

Be sure to check out the decorated Grant Park Golf Clubhouse at night.