Thousands gather for 44th Annual Ride for the Arts to support the United Performing Arts Fund

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – On Sunday, over three thousand cyclists ruled the road for the 44th Annual Ride for the Arts fundraiser.

"People realize the importance of the performing arts in our community it touches so many people,” said Katie Korek, PR Manager for United Performing Arts Fund.

Year after year, Milwaukeeans continue to participate in the ride and support the United Performing Arts Fund - the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year.

Korek says the performing arts is critical to the success of a community.

"In Milwaukee, we are so lucky to have such a depth and breathe of the performing arts, we really punch above our weight class. In terms of numbers of organizations we have, number of stages we have, number of seats we have ... we rival any big city,” said Korek

Cyclist of all ages and abilities don fun costumes and colorful bike jerseys – one man even on a unicycle playing the banjo!

A father daughter duo has been riding in this event for the past 5 years

“It’s a fun time with my dad and we come out every year and get to ride the Hoan Bridge nothing better than that,” said Cyclist Nia Obotette.

Nia's father, Wyman, says the arts community is important to people in Milwaukee and we have to help it thrive.

"The arts is just a beautiful thing that humans created to express ourselves so whether it's the theater, the art museum, smaller museum we just have the opportunity to see and learn,” said Cyclist Wyman Winston

If you missed this year's ride, don't worry you can sign up for next year's ride HERE.