By Jeff Sherman OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer Published Aug 19, 2009 at 8:00 AM
Last summer, we wondered why there wasn't roller skating at Red Arrow Park in Downtown Milwaukee.

This summer, we're living our mission to "move Milwaukee forward" by rolling out three "Rock & Roll Skate Fests" at Red Arrow Park, 1000 N. Water St.

The first event is from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday. Thanks to the Milwaukee County Parks and several sponsors, it's free and you need to be there.

It will mark the first time that the until-now winter only ice rink is opened to the general public for roller-skating.

Skaters can bring their own roller / inline skates or rent some on site for only $2. There will be DJ performances (DJ Syquest this week), break-dancers, art exhibits, special appearances by The Brewcity Bruisers Roller Derby and Milwaukee Iron Arena Football teams, and a variety of foods, sodas and beer.  Big Brothers, Big Sisters, The Park People, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, Milwaukee Brewing Company, Bubbs BBQ, Tru Skool Arts and others also are involved.  

Future "Rock & Rollin' Skate Fest" events are:

  • Saturday, Sept. 19, 6 to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 17, 6 to 10 p.m.

During the winter months, Red Arrow Park's "Slice of Ice" is a vibrant ice rink that's filled nearly every day and night. On Saturday, a new tradition of roller skating beings.

Jeff Sherman OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer

A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.

He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.

Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.  He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.  

He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.

He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.