'John McGivern's Main Streets' show on PBS to feature West Bend in 2025
John McGivern will feature West Bend on his show "John McGivern's Main Streets", the city of West Bend announced in a news release.
Slated for airing in April 2025, McGivern and co-host Emmy Fink will show the streets of West Bend, the city's history and culture, and residents' stories.
“West Bend attracted me because I’ve spent time there, and the people are friendly and welcoming,” McGivern said in the release. “Its historic Main Street is new and improved, and the city administrator and mayor are very persistent.”
The "new and improved" Main Street McGivern is referring to is the result of a $4.6 million Main Street construction project that occurred from April until October of 2023 in downtown West Bend. The project included adding parking for businesses, improved lighting, a new sound system and other features.
“We’re thrilled to host John and Emmy in West Bend,” City Administrator and Tourism Commission Chairman Jay Shambeau said in the release. “The episode will feature unique businesses throughout the city, our historic downtown and Riverwalk, and West Bend’s rich history of manufacturing.”
Since 2022, "McGivern's Main Streets" has aired in major markets in Wisconsin and in other Midwestern states including Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Indiana and Michigan. McGivern shows the unique attractions, history and businesses of each community. Currently, the show is in its third season.
Other Milwaukee area and Wisconsin communities featured on 'John McGivern's Main Streets'
"John McGivern's Main Streets" has featured other Milwaukee area and Wisconsin communities.
Waukesha was just featured on the show in March.
Other Milwaukee area communities to be profiled were Milwaukee's Harbor District (Season 1) and Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley (Season 2).
Other places in Wisconsin to be featured include Green Lake and Sister Bay (Season 1); De Pere and Dodgeville (Season 2) and Madison (Season 3).
Where can I watch 'John McGivern's Main Streets'?
"John McGivern's Main Streets" is on PBS Wisconsin, Milwaukee PBS and PBS stations around the Midwest. Viewers can also watch episodes on-demand on the free PBS Video App on Roku, Apple TV and other digital devices.
Past episodes are available free on YouTube.
For more information about the show, visit mainstreets.tv.
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More: Washington County is showcased in a new episode of Discover Wisconsin
Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: West Bend to be featured on 'John McGivern's Main Streets' PBS Show
