The Smithsonian may have his leather jacket, but Milwaukee may soon have all of the Fonz! Never underestimate the popularity of a 30–year–old TV pop cultural icon, but Fonzie fans from throughout the world are voicing their enthusiasm for the planned Fonzie statue for downtown Milwaukee. The project has the full support from Henry Winkler, the man behind the character, as well as “Happy Day’s” creator Garry Marshall. Winkler and other cast members plan to come to Milwaukee for the dedication, tentatively scheduled for fall 2008.

Since a lot of people have expressed a desire to contribute toward the approximately $85,000 cost to erect the statue, Brew City Promotions in Milwaukee have designed a special “Bronze the Fonz” t–shirt for $22, with $10 going toward the project. Click here to order.

MILWAUKEE * Mar. 5, 2008 * When a life–size statue of Fonzie, the iconic TV character from the show “Happy Days,” portrayed by Henry Winkler, is dedicated this summer in Milwaukee, it will call the Rock Bottom Brewery’s Riverwalk location home. The bronze Fonz will be situated on the south end of Rock Bottom’s outdoor seating area (on the west side of the river, just south of Wells Street) and set against the backdrop of the Milwaukee River.

A number of Riverwalk locations were scouted to determine the best fit for the statue. The site committee consisted of Dave Fantle, VISIT Milwaukee, Dean Amhaus, the Spirit of Milwaukee, Marsha Sehler, the Riverwalk District, Beth Nicols, the Downtown Milwaukee BID, Stacie Callies, Westown Association, Kate Borders, East Town Association, Gerald Sawyer, the project sculptor and David Gordon, former head of the Milwaukee Art Museum.

“The Fonz embodies fun and we thought siting the project next to a Microbrewery is fitting and will generate additional foot traffic for the Riverwalk and throughout downtown,” said Stacie Callies, executive director, Westown Association. “The location will also provide an attractive photo opportunity that will showcase the city via countless posts on the web.”

Rick Mitchell owns River Bank Plaza, the building that houses the Rock Bottom Brewery. The Rock Bottom management was excited to host the Fonz, said Mitchell, as it gives the statue a “recognizable” location and blends in perfectly with the Brew Pub theme of the restaurant. “When visitors want to find the Fonz, the Rock Bottom location will provide that instant point of reference. Brew City and the Fonz go hand–in–hand.”

The statue is tentatively planned to be dedicated on Tuesday, Aug. 19 with Winkler and most of the “Happy Days” cast in attendance. A public event is being planned as part of the dedication ceremony.

Check this site regularly for updates on the Fonz in bronze project!