RNC welcome party in Milwaukee kicking off a day after Trump assassination attempt

The welcome party ahead of the Republican National Convention kicked off Sunday night with one theme: Wisconsin.

The party at the Summerfest grounds came a day after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania.

Trump is slated to formally accept the GOP nomination to run for a second term in the White House during the convention at Fiserv Forum Thursday night. He touched down Sunday night in Milwaukee.

Alison Prange, COO of the nonpartisan MKE 2024 Host Committee that put on the welcome party, said despite the shooting the party was "all systems go."

"You know we have been hard at work for everybody in Milwaukee, full steam ahead," she said during a media sneak peek of the setup. "We are ready to bring it and showcase our city and state to the world."

The evening welcome party is an important part of the RNC that runs Monday through Thursday downtown, she said.

She said the party for 13,000 to 15,000 attendees would feature Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Think supper clubs, old fashioneds and cheese curds.

"It is really important because this is the first time a lot of people have been to Wisconsin," she said. "We know we've got a great state for those of us who live here. This is our chance to showcase ourselves, not only to the country but to the world."

Asked how she would gauge success, Prange said success is already apparent in hotel reservations and "the enthusiasm and energy on the streets." And, she said, she'd be keeping in contact with local businesses to get their feedback throughout the week.

As for whether Trump would be making an appearance at the party, Prange directed questions to the campaign and RNC.

She did say, though, that she hoped he would stop by.

Alison Dirr can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Welcome party kicking off Sunday night ahead of RNC in Milwaukee