GREEN BAY, WI --- Against a nautical backdrop of the S/V Denis Sullivan, Wisconsin 's Flagship, Green Bay Tall Ship Tours, Inc. today announced plans for the 2006 Baylake Bank Tall Ships® Festival July 27-31, 2006 at the Port of Green Bay. .

This will mark the fourth year that Baylake Bank has been the presenting sponsor of tall ship events in Green Bay, but this time is different. The 2006 Baylake Bank Tall Ships® Festival is stepping up a notch, and promises to be one of the largest events in downtown Green Bay history, drawing an estimated 50,000 people over four days.

That's because for the first time, Green Bay will also serve as an official host port of the American Sail Training Association (ASTA) TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Race Series. Instead three ships, as in past events, a fleet of ten to 16 ASTA tall ships will arrive at the Port of Green Bay on July 27, 2006. That's when the four-day 2006 Baylake Bank Tall Ships® Festival begins.

“This is a great opportunity for downtown Green Bay,” said Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt. “We want this city to be known for family festivals and we're committed to making this the ‘can't-miss' event of the year,” Schmitt said. “We are very thankful for Baylake Bank's investment in our community.”

Baylake Bank recently opened the Baylake Bank City Center downtown in the former Boston Store building, which has served as a tremendous catalyst to downtown economic development efforts.

 “Baylake Bank's history extends back to 1876, and by supporting the 2006 Baylake Bank Tall Ships® Festival, we continue our tradition of community support by sponsoring this quality and unique attraction for our area. We hope to provide residents throughout Northeast Wisconsin and beyond with the opportunity to enjoy a bit of nautical history,” said Thomas Herlache, Baylake Bank President and CEO.