Sturgeon Bay Celebrates Coast Guard City Status

On January 23, 2014, after a 90-day review by the United States Congress, Admiral R. J. Papp, Jr. the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard signed a proclamation designating the City of Sturgeon Bay a “Coast Guard City.” The entire community is invited to celebrate this prestigious honor at an official proclamation ceremony scheduled for 11 am on May 10 at Sawyer Park on the City’s waterfront. Sturgeon Bay is one of only sixteen communities nationwide to be named a Coast Guard City and is the first, and only, in Wisconsin. Mayor Thad Birmingham said “this is an extremely high honor for our community.”

The May 10th celebration kicks off with patriotic music by the Peninsula Symphonic Band at 10:30 am, followed by the official proclamation ceremony at 11 am. Rear Admiral Fred Midgette, Commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District, will be the presiding official at the proclamation ceremony. Congressman Reid Ribble, Sturgeon Bay Mayor Thad Birmingham and senior officials from the United States Navy League will also participate.

The Saturday festivities conclude with a community family picnic immediately after the ceremony. Children’s games, demonstrations, a jump house and activities are planned. Our Coast Guard personnel and their families will be treated to a complimentary picnic. There will be a nominal charge for food and beverages for the public. The local Coast Guard units will display boats and equipment from their own units as well as a few surprises. All events will take place in or near the Sawyer Park Pavilion at 36 S. Neenah Ave. on Sturgeon Bay’s west side adjacent to the Maple-Oregon St. Bridge. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration and picnic will be moved to the Sturgeon Bay Fire Station/City Hall at 421 Michigan St.

The festivities continue the next morning with a Mother’s Day Community Breakfast at the Fire Station from 8 to 11 am on May 11. Enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, fresh Door County cherries, fresh fruit, sausage and beverages for $5. All mothers, Coast Guard families and children 3-years of age and under are free of charge. All mothers will also receive a complimentary flower.