Milwaukee Business Journal: See photos from UPAF's reimagined Ride for the Arts at Veteran's Park

CLICK HERE to view photos from the Veterans Park Ride, taken by Milwaukee Business Journal photographer Kenny Yoo.

The United Performing Arts Fund kicked off its Ride for the Arts at Veteran's Park on June 6. It was the first organized event in the park since 2020. Check out the attached slideshow to see photos from the event.

Over 1,100 cyclists participated in the event.

UPAF reimagined its annual event this year to accommodate any lingering social distancing practices that have been brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The nonprofit organization announced the adjustment in January.

Along with Sunday's event, UPAF will host two more Ride for the Arts events on June 13 and June 27. The June 13 event will begin at Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield, and June 27 will be at Coal Dock Park in Port Washington.

The fundraising goal for the 2021 Ride for the Arts series is $500,000.

In 2020, UPAF held its annual Ride for the Arts virtually in June, raising $380,736 from 2,070 participants, according to a UPAF spokeswoman. The event raised $531,338 from 4,391 participants in 2019.

Riders were able to choose their own bike path for Sunday's event. They were able to pick up swag bags and snacks at Veteran's Park and partake in live entertainment hosted by event emcees Andrew and Susan Varela. Several UPAF member groups performed, including Skylight Music Theatre, the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre and Present Music.

The event continues to be sponsored by Miller Lite for the 31st consecutive year. Other sponsors include Johnson Financial Group, Husch Blackwell, West Bend Mutual, KS Energy Services, Wheel & Sprocket, Children's Wisconsin and WISN-TV 12.