The Second Avenue streetscaping project will be celebrated this Saturday, May 20 from 1-5pm on Second Avenue. From Elm to Alexander Streets, activities, games, and music from Led West will fill the newly reconstructed street. The construction project also won a state award recently for Best Public Improvement Project in a Main Street district.

Second Avenue was reconstructed last year to enhance the aesthetics of the area and drive development and reinvestment. Area business owners came together at the start of the project to figure out how to best make it through the construction. It was in those conversations that the idea of a celebration party at the completion of the event was brought up. Because the construction ended in late October last year, the celebration event was postponed until this spring.

Dan Maas, owner of the Chatterbox and one of the affected Second Avenue business owners, says, “We are super thrilled to be a part of this exciting event!  Including live music, a 5k run, and fun activities for all ages is just a great way to kick off the opening of our new look neighborhood!!”

The Second Avenue Block Party will not only feature live music, but also a beer garden, yard games, New Life Pet Adoption booth (with animals available for adoption), other community booths, a raffle, and other activities. In addition, a live auction featuring antique furnishings, kitchenware, and a wide variety of other home furnishings will take place at 9am on the corner of Alexander Street and Second Avenue, proceeds from which will go toward the restoration of the historic Kleinheinz Dairy building on Second Avenue. The RA RAA Run will also be starting at 1pm from the corner of Elm Street and Second Avenue, returning to the Second Avenue Block Party. Registration for the run is still open and can be completed at raraa.org. Stick around after 5pm for a special after-party at the Chatterbox with WIFC’s Belky.

Between the 9am action, 1pm run and event, and 5pm after-party, it’s a day of fun, activities, and community celebration at the Second Avenue Block Party.

The purpose of the Wausau River District is to promote and facilitate the economic vitality and historic preservation of downtown Wausau for the benefit of the entire community.