TOPS > TOPS' 75th birthday celebration

TOPS' 75th birthday celebration

TOPS 75th Anniversary 1948-20023

TOPS will be celebrating our 75th birthday!

Come one, come all: If you happen to be in the Midwest, especially for those of our members who are within driving distance of our Headquarters, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you’re invited to a TOPS open house and health fair on Saturday, Oct. 21.

If you can’t make it in-person, know that much of the day will be available via livestream, so hopefully, you can join us online.

Plans are still in the works, but here’s what we have in mind so far in terms of a rough itinerary:

Noon

TOPS Nutrition and Fitness Editor Rachel Werner will be helping us kick off the day with a light workout – likely chair yoga (again, join on Zoom even if you can’t attend physically!)

1 p.m.

A plaque unveiling, in honor of TOPS’ national and state recognition as a historical site.

1:30 or 2 p.m.

A speaker or two.

2:30 p.m.

Lucky Duck raffle – You’ll be able to “adopt” a plastic duck for $10, and all the ducks will be placed in a pool or bin. TOPS President Rick Danforth will select five winners at random, with the grand prize recipient snagging a lifetime TOPS membership.

Get more details on adopting a duck

3 p.m.

Building tours available – self-guided, with a list of must-see locations around the grounds, and at least one bigger tour, led by someone on staff.

Available throughout:

  • Maps for driving tours
  • Light refreshments
  • A history display
  • A stroll through the Esther Manz Memorial Garden, with walking ribbons handed out
  • TOPS merchandise for sale
  • Old videos playing inside

*Event wraps up at 5 p.m.

As always, Board of Directors elections are open to the membership, just before the day officially kicks off.

Anyone who lives a substantial distance from HQ is encouraged to join online – this is expected to be a relatively small gathering, and nothing like IRD of years past.

Where can I stay?

However, for those within reasonable driving distance, we do have a number of hotels in the neighborhood, including:

Getting Here

The Milwaukee Intermodal Station is the main intercity bus and train station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, located downtown. Look into Amtrak. Or Greyhound.

Plans are subject to some small changes. We look forward to seeing you!

Planning on coming? Let us know you plan to attend.