Milwaukee, WI (May 4, 2026) – Briggs & Stratton, a leading manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, announced the completion of its ceremonial “First Mow” at Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee, officially beginning preparations on the grounds for the upcoming season and marking the 28th year of the company’s community partnership with Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (MWF) and Summerfest. Briggs & Stratton donated Ferris® and Billy Goat® brand commercial-grade lawn care equipment to MWF, ensuring the festival park stays performance-ready for Summerfest and other events – from the first mow of the season through the final night of music.
The First Mow, conducted using a Ferris IS® 700 zero-turn mower and Ferris FW15 walk behind mower, saw the festival park ready ahead of opening weekend. The product donation reflects what Briggs & Stratton was built to do: provide the innovative power solutions that help people get work done — from the biggest festival grounds in the country to the everyday jobs that keep communities running.
“We wanted to empower the team at Milwaukee World Festival with the best tools in the industry so that the park remains a world-class venue every single day of the festival season. This ensures the focus remains where it belongs, on the music, the food and the fans,” said Rebecca Shaffer, vice president of communications at Briggs & Stratton.
As part of the partnership, Briggs & Stratton will continue as the title sponsor of the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard. During Summerfest, local lawn care professionals will have the opportunity to engage on the VIP deck for an exclusive experience – dubbed the “Landscaper Lounge” – hosted at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard’s VIP Deck on Saturday, June 27. The first 50 landscapers to register will receive complimentary Summerfest tickets and Briggs & Stratton merchandise. Register here: www.briggsandstratton.com/summerfest.
“The people who use our products professionally don’t have the luxury of a bad day. They’re on the job in every condition, serving clients who depend on them. The Landscaper Lounge at Summerfest is our way of saying: we see you, we’re built for you, and we’re proud to be part of what makes your work possible,” said Carissa Gingras, vice president of marketing for Ferris Commercial Mowers, a Briggs & Stratton brand.