Milwaukee, Cancelled

How MKE celebrated St. Patrick’s Day

For many businesses such as bars and restaurants hosting events, whether it be social or even sports-related, helps to draw customers in and boost sales for the establishment. With the cancellation of major sporting events, social distancing preventing large gatherings, and other events being postponed throughout Milwaukee bars and restaurants were missing out on revenue opportunities.  

The Friday Fish Fry is a longstanding tradition throughout the Midwest as a weekend kick-off event. Fish Fries can be found across Milwaukee, and although the fish fry "season" was disrupted by COVID-19, that did not prevent bars and restaurants from participating. Many restaurants took to offering curbside pickup and delivery of their fish dinners.  

In a city like Milwaukee with a considerable number of bars, celebrations such as St. Patrick's Day are momentous occasions. However, this year, the bars, streets, and even buses were left empty on what would've normally been a rowdy night of celebrating. An empty tent in front of AJ O'Brady's Irish Pub served as a testament to the pandemic's abruptness as one individual reflected on the sight: 

 "Many thoughts passed through my mind: I wonder how much the restaurant is losing in revenue? I wonder how much they paid for that tent that is not being used? This place is a neighborhood anchor-I hope this health crisis does not close this and other businesses that make up the fabric of society." 
             -Anonymous, March 17, 2020 

However, while COVID-19 may have canceled many anticipated events, preparations are still being made for future events once everything goes back to "normal."