The East Town Association was established in the early 1960's by a group of East Town merchants looking to foster business in the area and spur the growth of the business community in downtown Milwaukee.

Officially incorporated in 1983, the Association has made great strides toward improving the health of the business community and creating a vital neighborhood for both corporations, retail, restaurants, and service providers.

Today over 200 businesses and 100 residents, who are members of East Town Association, believe in the economic growth and vitality of downtown Milwaukee.

The mission of The East Town Association, Inc. is to serve our members by nurturing a community spirit that values a) Encouraging fellowship and sharing among members, b) Enhancing the neighborhood image and appeal, c) Preserving and celebrating our rich heritage and d) Fostering an environment to discuss issues impacting our community.

For over 45 years now, the East Town Association has worked to meet this mission and has helped attract new businesses, sponsored events that bring people to East Town and served as a catalyst for downtown development.

The geographic boundaries of the East Town community include the area of downtown Milwaukee east of the river from Clybourn Street on the south and Ogden Avenue on the north, extending to Lake Michigan on the East. East Town Association is committed to making East Town a great place to live, work and play.

In the history of the Association, there are many accomplishments to boast about. A few that we are most proud of are:
 

• Founding of the Annual Bastille Days Festival, which will celebrate its 28th anniversary July 9-12, 2009.

• Founding the East Town Market, which continues to grow each year will celebrate its 13th anniversary in 2009, beginning June 6th.

• Creating the Battle of the Chefs at the East Town Market in 2006, which continues to grow each season and will return for the fourth year in a row on July 18, 2009.

• Founding of Jazz in the Park in 1991, Milwaukee's favorite outdoor Free Jazz Series which takes place every Thursday evening in June, July, August and September in Cathedral Square Park.  2009 marks the 19th anniversary.

• Sponsoring and producing Gallery Night and Day in partnership with The Historic Third Ward Association, which has become an incredibly popular quarterly event highlighting the rich visual art presence in Downtown Milwaukee.

• Sponsoring the first Milwaukee Holiday Lights Festival and participating every year since the inception.

• Contributing 100% of all Jazz in the Park CD proceeds to support Music Education in the Milwaukee area.

• Partnering with other downtown associations and businesses to sponsor the downtown Trolley Loop.

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