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Buzzing Into May
The newsletter that knows which bridges are closing and where to sip wine Saturday.
Mike Higgins
May 02, 2025
Hey hey —
Hope you had a solid start to May—whether you’re planting gardens, hitting farmers markets, or just looking for an excuse to be outside (no judgment).
We’re gearing up for a packed month in Green Bay, and this week’s edition is just the start. Think of this as your cheat sheet to what’s happening around town—no fluff, no filler, just the good stuff.
Let’s jump in.
🐝TL;DR: This Week’s Green Bay Buzz
🛠️ Joannes Aquatic Center slides need $75K in urgent repairs
🚧 Downtown bridges (Mason & Walnut) closed for cleaning May 5–6
🗳️ New school board president elected after April elections
🎓 UWGB + Lakeshore College launch new dual-degree program
🇳🇮 Fritanga Nica opens, bringing Nicaraguan flavors to GB
🏘️ Neighborhood spotlight: Bay Highlands on the east side
🏡 Home near Lambeau listed at $890K — open house May 3
🍷 Wine Walk, 🚂 Train Show, 🐠 “Washed Ashore” exhibit & more this weekend
☀️ Grow Solar Green Bay offers group discounts + May 7 info session
📰The New Stories in Green Bay this week
📌💦 Joannes Aquatic Center Slides Need Urgent Repairs
Green Bay's Joannes Aquatic Center faces a splash-less summer unless $75,000 in repairs are approved for its nearly 30-year-old water slides. A recent inspection deemed them unsafe, leaving the city with a choice: repair or replace. While full replacement could cost up to $1.5 million, the city is leaning towards immediate repairs to ensure the slides reopen by June 7. The proposal awaits City Council approval.
📌🚧 Downtown Bridge Closures for Spring Cleaning
Heads up, drivers: two key downtown Green Bay bridges will temporarily close for annual spring cleaning and assessments.
Donald A. Tilleman Memorial Bridge (Mason Street)
🗓️ Monday, May 5 | ⏰ 6 AM – 3 PMBart Starr Memorial Bridge (Walnut Street)
🗓️ Tuesday, May 6 | ⏰ 6 AM – 3 PM
Detours will be in place, and all work is weather-dependent. Plan ahead to avoid delays.
📌🗳️ New Leadership for Green Bay School Board
For the first time in years, the Green Bay Area Public School District Board has elected a new president. The leadership change comes on the heels of the April 1st school board election, which brought in new board members Jeanette Knill, James Lyerly, and Alex Mineau. The new board president will face major decisions ahead, including resolving a multimillion-dollar budget deficit, determining school closures, and selecting a new superintendent.
➡️ Big changes are coming to Green Bay schools—stay tuned.
In a strategic move to combat local shortages in education and healthcare, the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and Lakeshore College have introduced the FORWARD program. This initiative offers students in the Sheboygan area a seamless pathway to earn degrees in nursing or teaching by studying at both institutions.
The program is designed to be cost-effective and locally accessible, allowing students to complete all coursework at the Lakeshore College Cleveland Campus, the UW-Green Bay Sheboygan Campus, and online. Enrollment for the FORWARD program begins in Fall 2025.
🇳🇮 Fritanga Nica Brings Nicaraguan Flavor—and Fierce Resilience—to Green Bay
Despite undergoing cancer treatment, Ana Reyes has poured her heart into opening Fritanga Nica at 1706 Main Street. The new restaurant is Green Bay’s first dedicated Nicaraguan eatery, serving up bold, home-style staples like gallo pinto, fried plantains, and carne asada.
It’s more than just food—it’s a story of grit, culture, and one woman’s mission to share a taste of home.
Tucked away on Green Bay's far east side, Bay Highlands is a secluded neighborhood comprising just 150 homes. With its tree-lined streets and a mix of architectural styles—from Colonial Revivals to contemporary designs—it offers a tranquil suburban feel. The community is known for its strong neighborhood association, which organizes events like the annual "Mash Dash" run benefiting local charities.
Proximity to UW-Green Bay and local parks adds to its appeal, making Bay Highlands a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.
🏡 Lambeau Views & Tailgate Dreams: 1255 Thorndale St
Just steps from Lambeau Field, this fully renovated 4-bed, 2-bath home is a turnkey opportunity for Packers fans and investors alike. Priced at $890,000, it boasts a new party deck, upper-level garage viewing deck, and sleeps up to 12 guests—ideal for game-day rentals or personal getaways.
Open house: Saturday, May 3, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM.
🎉 Things to Do in Green Bay – Weekend of May 2–4, 2025
📅 Saturday, May 4
🕔 Time: 1- 5 PM
📍 Location: Downtown Green Bay
Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in style! Sip your way through downtown with wine tastings, themed outfits, and exclusive in-store promotions. Hats encouraged!
📅 Saturday–Sunday, May 3–4
🕙 Time: Saturday, May 3rd, 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday May 4th, 10 am-4 pm
📍 Location: KI Convention Center
All aboard! Explore detailed model train displays, meet fellow enthusiasts, and browse unique vendor booths at this annual favorite.
📅 Saturday, May 3 (Opening Day)
📍 Location: Neville Public Museum
Sculptures made entirely from ocean trash — see art with a purpose at this powerful environmental exhibit.
📅 Sunday, May 4
🕓 Time: 1- 2:15 PM
📍 Location: Lion’s Mouth Bookstore
Meet bestselling author Thomas King and get your copy signed during this special literary event.
Green Bay, in partnership with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, has launched the Grow Solar Green Bay - Fox Valley program. This initiative offers residents and small businesses in Brown, Outagamie, Winnebago counties, and the Oneida Nation the opportunity to install solar energy systems at below-market prices through group purchasing.
Free Solar Power Hour information sessions are available both virtually and in person throughout the spring and summer.
May 7 (Virtual): 12:00 PM via Zoom
🏋️♂️💪 Green Bay Couple to Make History at Bodybuilding Championship
This weekend, Jesse and Savannah VanEss will become the first married couple to compete together in the Green Bay Natural Hardbodies Championships. The event takes place Saturday, May 3, at the Meyer Theatre in downtown Green Bay.
Now in its 5th year, the NGA-sanctioned event will feature both amateur and pro athletes in a natural bodybuilding showdown. The VanEss duo is not just flexing for trophies—they’re setting a new bar for shared goals and community inspiration.
👏 Come cheer them on as they make local fitness history!
🐝 That’s the latest from the hive.
Another packed weekend ahead—and with May in full swing, the weather’s (mostly) cooperating and Green Bay is waking up in all the best ways.
Appreciate you taking a few minutes to hang out with us.
💬 Got a story, event, or new biz we should feature?
Hit reply—we read every one. 😉
And hey —
📲 Don’t miss a thing. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for daily updates, news, and behind-the-scenes bites from around Green Bay.
Stay warm. Stay local. Stay buzzing. And maybe see you at one of the events. Don’t forget to say Hiiiii!
MH.
