Sister Bay’s 11th Annual “Roofing of the Goats Parade” Scheduled for June 14

8th Annual Goat Fest to Follow Tongue-in-Cheek Start to Summer Season

Sister Bay, Wis. (April 2, 2025) – The Sister Bay Advancement Association (SBAA) and Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant are pleased to announce the 11th Annual Roofing of the Goats Parade, scheduled for Saturday, June 14th, 2025, in downtown Sister Bay.

The parade begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of Mill Road and Highway 42, proceeding southward to Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant. The highlight of the event will be when the goats are ceremonially guided onto the restaurant’s famous green sod roof.

Featuring goats from Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and local farms, the parade has grown into a beloved kickoff to Door County’s summer tourism season. Attendees are reminded that Highway 42 will be closed to motorized traffic from approximately 10:30 a.m. until after the parade. Additionally, parade-goers are asked to leave their dogs at home, as goats are known to be easily frightened by dogs.

The tradition began as a humorous birthday prank in 1973 between Al Johnson and his friend Wink Larson, which led to the restaurant’s iconic rooftop goats. Al Johnson’s maintains dozens of goats at its Sister Bay farm.

Spectators can participate in a fun fundraising event by purchasing “Goat Drop Stickers” online at https://www.aljohnsonsshop.com/goat-drop-charity-sticker for $10 each or at roadside booths along Highway 42. Proceeds benefit Koinonia Kupboard, a food pantry managed by First Baptist Church of Sister Bay. If a goat poops on your sticker during the parade, you’ll be entered to win exciting prizes, including:

• Busch Light Corn Cooler with wheel caddy, fully stocked with Busch Light Beer, from Flanigan Distributing

• Golf bag from Tito’s Handmade Vodka

• VIP brewery tour from 3 Sheeps Brewing Co.

• $100 gift certificate from Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant

Prize winner announcements will take place immediately following the parade at Stabbur Beer Garden, adjacent to Al Johnson’s.

Afterward, the festivities continue with the 8th Annual Goat Fest at Stabbur Beer Garden (10698 N. Bay Shore Drive), beginning at noon. Goat Fest will feature live music, children’s activities, food specials, a Swedish Pancake-Eating Contest, and a lively stein-holding competition.

Once the parade concludes, the goats will remain on Al Johnson’s sod roof for the summer season. Visitors can also view them online via the restaurant’s Goat Cam at www.aljohnsons.com/goat-cam.