The UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, returns to Henry Maier Festival Park June 4 with Expanded Hoan Loop Bike Course

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that the 43^rd annual UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite, will be held on Sunday, June 4, with an expanded “Hoan Loop Course” completely closed to vehicle traffic for the entire event. Additionally, this year’s start and finish line party returns to the Henry Maier Festival Park for the first time since 2019.

From Milwaukee to Cudahy, a 20-mile loop on Interstate 794 and Lincoln Memorial Drive extends to the new N. Lake Park Rd. turnaround. Cyclists of all ages and abilities can ride over the Hoan Bridge multiple times from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., selecting the distance of their choice with various turnaround points and rest stops throughout the course.

Participants will enjoy a finish line party from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. on the Henry Maier Festival Park, featuring live stage entertainment by UPAF’s local performing arts groups, arts activities for the kids, refreshments, and more.

“The Hoan Loop Course was a big hit with riders in 2022, so we couldn’t be more excited to stage this expanded one-of-a-kind safe experience where bikes rule the road,” said Christine Hojnacki, Chief Advancement Officer at the United Performing Arts Fund. “Riders will enjoy panoramic views of Milwaukee from the Hoan Bridge and along our beautiful lakefront, all in support of local performing arts organizations.”

In addition to the Hoan Loop Course, participants can enjoy a leisurely Arts Path roll through Lakeshore State Park. This 1.5-mile route offers an accessible, family-friendly option for all to celebrate the performing arts with unique performances along the path.

UPAF is also pleased to have Miller Lite return as the Presenting Sponsor for the 33^rd consecutive year. “The UPAF Ride for the Arts is a beloved event that Miller Lite is proud to be a presenting sponsor of annually,” said Alison Hanrahan, Community Affairs Manager for Molson Coors. “The performing arts are a vital part of the Greater Milwaukee area that we call our home, and we are happy to support this great community tradition.”

Since the Ride’s inception in 1981, more than 295,000 riding participants, thousands of volunteers and hundreds of sponsors have helped raise over $11.7 million for the United Performing Arts Fund, helping to ensure the best of music, dance, song and theater in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Registration for the UPAF Ride for the Arts is open now at http://upafride.org. The registration fee includes a Ride for the Arts tee shirt and bike bib providing access to the Hoan Loop Course and Arts Path. Participants and teams can register at the early-bird price of $45 through March 15. Kids 12 and under ride free with a registered adult, thanks to the Brewers Community Foundation.

Future registration pricing is as follows:

·       Adult Registration through March 15: $45

·       Adult Registration March 15 – May 1: $55

·       Adult Registration May 1 – June 4: $65

·       Fundraiser Discount (available through May 31): $35 with commitment of raising $150 on fundraising page

Participants are also encouraged to fundraise with their registration. Once again in 2023, all participant fundraising up to $25,000 will be matched by Johnson Financial Group. 100% of dollars raised through the UPAF Ride for the Arts, including registrations, fundraising, and sponsorships, directly support UPAF Performing Arts Members, representing the best of music, dance, song and theater in Southeastern Wisconsin.

UPAF is incredibly grateful to all Ride sponsors who make this event possible, especially our long-time presenting sponsor, Miller Lite in addition to our premier sponsors, Johnson Financial Group, Husch Blackwell and West Bend Mutual Insurance as well as Wheel & Sprocket who has served as the event’s bike shop partner since its inception in 1981.

About UPAF

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has been setting the stage since 1967 by providing critical investment in our region’s vibrant performing arts scene. UPAF’s mission is to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset and improve the quality of life through responsible investment in and financial support of the performing arts in Eastern Wisconsin. UPAF proudly bears Charity Navigator’s highest distinction for nonprofits – a four-star rating – and is the No. 1 united performing arts fund in the country in terms of dollars raised.

With generous community support, UPAF funds 47 diverse local performing arts organizations that provide our community with the best of music, dance, song and theater. In addition to entertainment excellence, these organizations provide transformative educational programs for local children, ensure that individuals from marginalized neighborhoods have opportunities to participate in the arts and expand arts access for people with disabilities.

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