ASHWAUBENON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Packers may open the season on the road in Chicago this weekend, but Titletown is already getting ready for football.
Just off Lombardi Avenue, in the shadows of Lambeau Field, sits the fence.
A historic landmark in Green Bay, fans have gathered here for decades with one mission.
“It’s just something we put on our calendar every single Labor Day weekend. We know, Monday at 12 o’clock, we need to be painting the fence,” said Debbie Zehms of Green Bay.
With paint and brush in hand, fans of the Packers are once again taking to the gold canvas with a message from the community to the team.
“It’s tradition. You’re part of the people, you’re part of the group, showing how much support you have for the Packers, pretty much,” explained Daniel Zehms.
Each stroke is meaningful to the people who paint.
Whether they’re first timers like Rob Creek: “It’s a good community, I enjoy seeing the game and I just like to pitch in.”
Or veterans like the Zehms: “It’s fun. It’s just a fun, fun Labor Day.”
This year’s fence slogan reads “The New Pack is A Love Affair” as a tribute to Jordan Love, the team’s first new quarterback in more than 15 years.
“It’s awesome. It’s time, it’s refreshing. It’s time for a new journey with the Packers,” Debbie Zehms said.
Dotty Harrsch, the owner of the fence and the house on the other side of it, came up with the slogan with family and friends. “We wanted to honor the new Pack and also Love, so it kind of went together nice,” she said.
Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy agrees. “This is really pretty special. To me, it kind of highlights the special connection between our fans and the organization.”
Murphy picked up a paint brush and helped to put the finishing touches on this year’s fence, one that he says is appropriate for the team, the season, the town and the man being honored.
“I think it’s been impressive. Obviously a lot of pressure on Jordan, but he’s been calm,” Murphy said. “I think he’s handled things as well as can be and his teammates really support him and want him to be successful.”
And those painting the fence hope their positive post will have an impact on the season too.
