GREEN BAY, Wis. (WLUK) – While Labor Day weekend tends to be the unofficial end to summer, Labor Day is the unofficial start to the Green Bay Packers’ regular season.
When the clock strikes noon on Labor Day, Packers fans gather on the Lombardi Avenue side of 1177 Shadow Lane.
They pick up paint brushes and get to work, painting the new slogan on the “original” and historically recognized Packers fence.
“It’s fun. It’s just nice to have everyone in the community out here on Labor Day weekend and having fun and experiencing the Packers,” said Doreen Sorenson of Green Bay.
For decades fans have carefully filled in each letter, to create the slogan of the year. Everyone from first times, like Julie Schroeder and Tanya Allen to veterans like Tony Simons.
“It was exciting. Fun. I was excited for the last few days, its was like, yay, I get to go,” said Schroeder and Allen.
Simons added, “This year I came prepared, I brought my own paint brush. I’m going to let the paint dry on it that’s probably going to hang up on my wall that I was part of history. A hands on souvenir, I’m excited about that.”
Painting the Packers fence is a rite of passage for fans of the Green and Gold.
According to Peter Harrsch, who owns the property the fence sits on, “It’s a breath of fresh air seeing that so many people are coming out here and willing to help us paint this original fence and kind of kickoff the new football season here.”
This year’s slogan a tribute to the past, present and future – including the transition to the new Packers President and CEO Ed Policy.
“We came up with Original Fence, New Policy, Same Goal! We wanted to focus that we’re still on the same goal of winning a Super Bowl.” said Haarsch.
While Ed Policy, whose name is part of the slogan didn’t follow in Mark Murphy’s footsteps and come pick up a paint brush, those who did are giving him a pass, said they’re pleased with the direction the organization is going.
“This year, I just can’t wait. It’s just as exciting as hell,” added Simons.