GREEN BAY — “Walk to Mary,” the annual 22-mile walk which takes pilgrims from the National Shrine of St. Joseph in De Pere to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, was honored as the “2024 Event of the Year” at the Discover Green Bay Tourism Awards on Feb. 12 at the Meyer Theatre in Green Bay.
The Discover Green Bay Tourism Awards celebrate the contributions of individuals and organizations which drive tourism in the region, making Green Bay a “must-visit destination.”
“The contributions of this year’s winners truly set the standard for excellence in our tourism industry,” said Brad Toll, president and CEO of Discover Green Bay. “We are proud to honor them and their dedication to making Green Bay a welcoming and exciting destination.”
Pilgrims from across Northeast Wisconsin and America participate in the annual May Walk to Mary, which was founded in 2012 by Pat Deprey and Tom Schmit.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion is America’s only Church-approved Marian apparition site, where in 1859, the Blessed Mother appeared to Adele Brise.
For more information about the 2025 Walk to Mary set for Saturday, May 3, see walktomary.com. On Friday evening, May 2 at 7 p.m., the Diocese of Green Bay will host a free concert of sacred music for Pilgrims of hope at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Due to limited seating, registration is required. Visit onmiss.io/singtomary to register.
The complete list of the 2024 Discover Green Bay Tourism Award winners are as follows:
· 2024 Tim Quiqley, Tourism Person of the Year: Steve Ninham, Oneida Casino Hotel
· 2024 Event of the Year: Walk to Mary
· 2024 Partner of the Year: Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley
· 2024 Hospitality Employee of the Year: Jennifer Radloff, Badger State Brewing
See more photos from the event here.