Since learning Tuesday night that the Bavarian Inn, 700 W. Lexington Blvd., would close after tonight, I've received a lot of e-mails from people telling me that their weddings have been canceled or looking for more information.

Unfortunately, I haven't heard back from anybody involved with United German Societies -- the operator of the Bavarian Inn -- or the Bavarian Soccer Club, which is purchasing -- and closing -- the facility.

This much, though, I do know: tonight is the final night of public operation at the venerable North Shore bar and restaurant. Stop up for one last beer or fish fry if you can.

According to the Bavarian Inn Facebook page, members of the Stein Club can take their steins home by presenting their membership card or a valid photo ID.

I'm not sure how I feel about the ol' joint shutting down. It's kind of bittersweet for me. On one hand, there's nostaliga. As a kid, I participated in a German club based out of Menomonee Falls and growing up, we considered the Bavarians our "rivals." (Don't ask me why.)

I spent a lot more time there, however, since moving back to Milwaukee in 2003 and despite the occasional poor decision made when "going up the hill" after Oktoberfest, I have a lot of fond memories.

On the other hand, having had a front-row seat over the years as the local German-American community tries to find ways to stay viable and vibrant, I can't help but shrug my shoulders and say "no surprise here." For years, I've heard talk of building a center for all the area's German-American clubs but as is often the case, it was all talk and no action. Teaming up to help save the Bavarian Inn would have been a smart move.

Oh well.

An event scheduled for the Bavarian Inn tomorrow night is still on, but I plan to stop up tonight one last time and pay my respects. Heck, I might even indulge a life-long dream and ring the bells above the bar without buying a round of shots ... what are they going to do, ban me for life?