'Hoanchella': Light the Hoan begins fundraiser to light east side of Hoan Bridge

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A hometown group is looking to brighten up Milwaukee's lakefront, by adding more lights to the Hoan Bridge on Wednesday, Aug. 16. 

Leaders with Light the Hoan, said they have started phase one of adding new additions to Milwaukee's iconic Hoan Bridge, fundraising.

The group unveiled an event they coined as 'Hoanchella 2023."

The event is the start of the group's goal to raise close to $2 million to add lights to the east side of the bridge.

"Being able to light that east side is going to create and elevate Milwaukee in a way that we haven’t been able to be seen," said Erika Smith, Executive Director with Light the Hoan.

Smith went on to say lighting the entire bridge has always been the plan for the historic structure.

"This was something the initial group had proposed to the city and committed to doing, to lighting both sides," said Smith.

The group is hoping to raise the money by March 2024, just ahead of a much-anticipated political cycle, one that will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Milwaukee.

"We already have all that technology and infrastructure in place, so really once we have those bulbs purchased, it's only going to be a few weeks before we can get that lights up and running on the Hoan."

Smith said, while the lights may be pretty to look at, she hopes by lighting the entire Bridge it will illuminate the love in the city of festivals.

"To celebrate success, bring people together, and find unique opportunities for people to experience ways in ways they've never been able to experience before," said Smith.

For more information on Hoanchella 2023, click here.