Things to do in SMKE

Crusherfest

May 5, 2025
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filed in:   SMKE events

It’s my favorite time of year… sunny days, blooming flowers, and best of all, Crusherfest is on the horizon! The celebration that’s full of food, fun, and some good old fashioned friendly fighting.

So, what is Crusherfest exactly and why does South Milwaukee continue to celebrate it every year? Allow me to explain.

Let’s start with a little history lesson. Reggie “Da Crusher” Lisowski was a world-renowned professional wrestler and winner of the AWA World Heavyweight Championship three times. He also happened to be a lifelong resident of my favorite city—South Milwaukee!

As one of the biggest-drawing performers in the history of the American Wrestling Association, he was known as “The Wrestler Who Made Milwaukee Famous.” Despite his fame, Reggie was best known for being first and foremost a family man and a friend. His blue-collar roots made him beloved among working class fans. He loved South Milwaukee and embraced everyone as his friend—never too busy or too famous for a handshake, autograph, or conversation.

Reggie’s success and determination made the South Milwaukee community proud, resulting in a bronze statue of him in the heart of our downtown. This life-size statue demonstrates Reggie sporting a beer barrel over his shoulder, paying homage to his claims of training along Milwaukee’s waterfront by carrying a full beer barrel while running. Next time you’re in South Milwaukee, swing by the Crusher statue and take a selfie with the legend himself.

In Reggie’s honor, the City of South Milwaukee hosts Crusherfest every summer. This festival is committed to the people of the community, honoring Reggie’s values and dedication. Crusherfest is chock full of professional wrestling matches, awesome live bands, raffles, auctions, food, drinks, and much more. For additional information, visit crusherfest.org.

Crusherfest will run from May 31st-June 1st, and I will be attending on Sunday, June 1st. Meet me at the Bucyrus Commons so we can celebrate the wonderful people of this wonderful community. See ya there!