Milwaukee rolled out the red carpet Sunday night for thousands of delegates attending the Republican National Convention (RNC) with a “Red, White & Brew” welcome party at Henry Maier Festival Park. The event, organized by the nonpartisan MKE 2024 Host Committee, aimed to showcase Wisconsin’s charm and hospitality.

Despite the backdrop of an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, the welcome party proceeded as planned. Trump, expected to formally accept the GOP nomination at the Fiserv Forum on Thursday night, arrived in Milwaukee on Sunday night.

Alison Prange, COO of the Host Committee, emphasized the event’s importance in spotlighting Milwaukee and Wisconsin to the world. “We have been hard at work, full steam ahead,” she said. “This is our chance to showcase ourselves, not only to the country but to the world.”

The party, which anticipated 13,000 to 15,000 attendees, featured Wisconsin staples like supper clubs, old fashioneds, and cheese curds as well as a performance from country star Trace Adkins. “It’s really important because this is the first time a lot of people have been to Wisconsin,” Prange noted.

Country star Trace Adkins headlined the evening on the Miller Lite Stage, adding a touch of star power to the festivities. The U.S. Secret Service maintained a strong presence, ensuring security by blocking off several main roads, including the Hoan Bridge.

The RNC runs from Monday through Thursday, with events spread throughout downtown Milwaukee.