Something to Look Forward To 🎟️🍿👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

So this week, I learned that one of Green Bay's most beloved spots just hit a pretty incredible milestone. Hint: you've probably taken your kids there. Or maybe your parents took you. Or both. (More on that below.)

But that's not all. There's free popcorn involved this week. A few businesses are hiring, and one opportunity actually surprised me. Plus a couple of local updates that made me stop and say "wait, really?"

I'm not going to spoil it all up here. Just know that this edition has some good stuff worth your time.

Grab your coffee ☕, start scrolling, and hit reply to tell me which story got you.

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A big thank you to everyone who has trusted us with their updates for this week’s edition.
You’re the heartbeat of this newsletter, and we love getting to spotlight what makes Green Bay shine. 💛 

😺 Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Turns 90!

The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary celebrated a major milestone on January 13, marking 90 years since it was incorporated as a city park in 1936. What began with hand-dug lagoons for rehabilitating injured waterfowl has grown into a beloved destination featuring hundreds of animals, miles of trails, and education facilities. Today, the sanctuary rehabilitates approximately 7,000 animals each year. To mark the occasion, special events including guided hikes and animal interactions will run throughout 2026. The sanctuary is also developing a master plan to guide its growth over the next 90 years.

💚 Green Bay Showing Up BIG (Again)

Green Bay is doing what Green Bay does best, showing up for each other.

Give BIG Green Bay is officially back for 2026, and 50 local nonprofits have been selected to take part in this year’s community-wide day of giving. The annual campaign, hosted by the Green Bay Packers and the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, kicks off at noon on February 25 and runs through noon on February 26.

Since it began, Give BIG Green Bay has helped raise over $17 million for local causes, and last year alone brought in a record $3.5 million from more than 5,800 donors. Even better? Nearly half of donors were giving to a nonprofit for the first time.

This year’s nonprofits span 11 impact areas, including housing, mental health, education, food security, youth development, the environment, and more, proving that when Green Bay gives, it gives everywhere.

💡: The Packers Foundation is contributing $250,000 to the matching fund pool, with more than $550,000 total available to stretch donations even further.

🥳 A New Way to Save a Classic Ride

Oshkosh is exploring a creative solution to keep a longtime favorite rolling at Menominee Park.

City leaders are proposing a trackless, electric train-style ride to replace the aging Menominee Park train, which has faced rising repair and maintenance costs. Instead of traditional rails, the new ride would run on paved paths while still delivering that classic “train ride” feel families love.

⚡ Why this matters:

• No tracks = lower long-term maintenance costs

• Electric-powered = quieter and more environmentally friendly

• Flexible routes through the park without major construction

🗣️ The proposal is still under discussion, but officials say the goal is simple: keep a beloved family attraction alive while modernizing how it operates.

🏢 Green Bay Public Market is officially back on track.

Construction on the long-anticipated Green Bay Public Market is expected to resume soon after project leaders secured a plan to stabilize funding and move the development forward. The market is planned for Old Fort Square on Broadway, a key downtown location that’s already seen renewed interest and momentum.

🔑 What’s new:

• Project leaders have lined up a mix of donations, private support, and state grant funding

• A renewed financial plan aims to keep the project moving without delays

• The market is positioned as a long-term anchor for downtown activity and foot traffic

🌆 Why it matters:
Once completed, the Public Market is expected to boost surrounding real estate, support local vendors, and add another destination that strengthens downtown Green Bay’s growth story.

This is a big win for downtown redevelopment, small businesses, and long-term urban revitalization.

High Kaliber Craft Kitchen has officially landed on Green Bay’s west side, and it’s bringing serious heat.

📍 Location: 126 S. Broadway, Green Bay
🔥 What to expect: Bold barbecue flavors, smoky comfort food, and big portions
🚚 Backstory: This brick-and-mortar spot is an expansion of a popular Little Chute food truck, now giving locals a warm place to enjoy their favorites year-round.

Just in time for winter comfort food season. If you love hearty BBQ, rich flavors, and supporting local food businesses, this one deserves a spot on your must-try list.

👉 Perfect for a casual dinner, takeout night, or when you’re craving something smoky and satisfying.

🌺✈️ Florals & Flights: Tropical Escape Night

Hands-on tropical floral workshop + travel inspo •

⌛️ Thu, Jan 22, 2026 | 5:30 PM

📌 RoseHaus Floral (Suamico)

🎟️ $75 | 10 spots max •

RSVP by Mon, Jan 19

📞 920-770-4008

🎨🚀❄️ Big week at the Children’s Museum of Green Bay!

✨ Highlights you’ll want on your radar:

• 🤸 Wiggle, Move & Giggle for the littlest movers

• ♻️ Recycled Art Studio (all day creativity!)

• 🐻‍❄️ Polar Palooza to wrap up the week with Arctic-themed fun

📅 Activities run Jan 15–17, with something new nearly every day.

🎨 Sunday Funday, kid-style.

Board & Brush Green Bay is hosting a hands-on Kids Crafting Session where little hands get messy, creative, and proudly take home something they made themselves.

🗓 Sunday, Jan 18
⏰ 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Board & Brush Green Bay
🧒 Kids crafting workshop (pre-registration required)

🎡 Winter Carnival Fun Returns to Green Bay!

Family Fun Night is back at the Green Bay Kroc Center, turning a chilly winter evening into a warm, high-energy night of family fun.

📅 Friday, January 16
⏰ 4:30–7:30 PM
📍 Green Bay Kroc Center

🎨 Winter-themed crafts
🎯 Carnival-style games
🏊 Pool access
🏀 Gym activities for all ages

🥫 Bring 2 non-perishable food items for FREE admission (supports the Salvation Army food bank)
💵 $5 per person without a food donation
✨ Always free for Kroc members

🎁 Extra bonus: New Year membership deals available through January 31 -50% off memberships, 50% off the joiner’s fee, plus gift card perks.

🍲 Downtown Fond du Lac Soup Walk

📍 Downtown Fond du Lac
📅 Saturday, January 17, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Bundle up and bring your appetite for one of winter’s coziest traditions. The Downtown Fond du Lac Soup Walk invites you to stroll through downtown while sampling a variety of delicious soups prepared by local businesses.

💵 $15 per ticket
🥣 Taste multiple soup samples
🏙️ Support downtown Fond du Lac businesses
❄️ Perfect mid-winter outing with friends or family

🎯 Crokinole Open Play at Titletown Brewing Company

📅 Friday, January 16
📍 At Titletown Brewing

Ever heard of Crokinole? If not, this is your sign.
It’s a fast-paced, super-addicting board game from Canada that blends shuffleboard, pool, and curling, and once you play, you’re hooked.

🐕 January Is Walk Your Dog Month in De Pere

📅 All month long – January
📍 All De Pere parks & trails
🐶 Leashed dogs welcome

January is officially Walk Your Dog Month, and De Pere Parks, Recreation & Forestry is inviting you (and your pup) to bundle up and hit the trails.

🐾 Explore De Pere’s scenic walking paths
🐾 Discover a new park or trail
🐾 Build healthy habits for both you and your furry friend

🍿 Free Popcorn for National Popcorn Day

📅 Monday, January 19
📍 All participating Marcus Theatres & Movie Tavern locations (nationwide)

In honor of National Popcorn Day, Marcus Theatres is giving moviegoers exactly what they want most: FREE popcorn 🍿

🎟️ Buy a ticket to any movie on January 19
🍿 Get one FREE large popcorn per ticket
🎉 Expect popcorn-themed games and activities
🎟️ Plus: every ticket holder receives a free scratch-off card

Marcus loyalty members already know the popcorn love runs deep, but this day takes it to the next level.

Pro tip: show up hungry 😄

💼 📣 NOW HIRING: Let’s Run Around Green Bay

👟 Let’s Run Around Green Bay is growing and looking to add to its team!

Open positions:

• ⭐ Full-Time Manager

• 👋 Part-Time Team Members

Why it’s a great fit:

• Clean, upbeat, family-friendly environment

• High-energy workplace centered around kids and play

• Perfect for people who enjoy staying active and working with families

📍 Location: Green Bay area
🕒 Hours: Vary by role (details during application/interview)

👉 Apply here

Know someone who’d be a great fit? Pass it along 💚

💼 Hiring Now: Make a Splash at the Kroc Center

The Green Bay Kroc Center is hosting an Aquatics Hiring Fair and looking to fill immediate AND summer positions.

📅 Thursday, January 22
⏰ 3:00–6:00 PM
📍 Kroc Community Center

They’re hiring:

• 🛟 Lifeguards

• 🏊 Swim Instructors

• 💦 Aquatics Team Members

💰 Perks include paid training and the chance to earn up to $500 in bonuses.

🍯 Thanks for letting us drop into your inbox and your life. Whether it’s weekend plans, backyard builds, or brunch with the fam, we’re honored to be part of your week.

📩 Got something Green Bay should know? A new business, event, or shoutout? Just hit reply, we’re all ears, or click the link here. 

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 local. Stay buzzing. Stay warm, and maybe see you at one of the events. Don’t forget to say Hiiiii!

MH.