GREEN BAY, Wis. (WBAY) – Friends, family, and volunteers gathered Monday for the painting of the original Packers fence. This year’s theme ties in with the upcoming NFL Draft and Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy.

“I heard that they were doing something,” said Murphy. “It’s great that they tied in the draft and kind of the end of, the end of my tenure, I think people are calling it my ‘swan song.’”

The original Packers fence along Lombardi Avenue is getting its annual paint job by the friends of Fred Harrsch and the community. This year it reads “Draft Dreams on Murphy’s Turf.”

“We wanted to bring the draft in in addition with Mrk Murphy as a thank you to mark as a thank you to mark for all that he has done for us and the community, he’s been wonderful to the Packers,” said Dorothy Harrsch, Fred’s sister-in-law.

The fence is a play on Green Bay hosting the 2025 NFL draft and the man who worked hard with community leaders to make it happen.

“It’s really very rewarding just knowing how much work it took to get the draft here and I know people in the community have been very appreciative,” said Murphy.

The original Packers fence was started in 1984 by the previous homeowners. Fred Harrsch would continue that tradition ultimately becoming his legacy after his passing in 2022.

“I know Fred would be very pleased if he saw the outpouring here,” said Murphy. “It’s tremendous, it’s just a great tradition and not only has it grown over the years, but you look up and down the street and Fred was on to something.”

Friends of Fred, Jon Juckem, his wife Stephanie, and two boys Simon and Jason, also took part in the tradition for the first time.

“Hopefully they keep going, you know, year after year and someday they can bring these kids here,” said Jon.

The Labor Day tradition is all about Packers fans coming together to support a team they love and continue to honor a beloved friend for years to come. Although it’s his last year as CEO and President, it’s likely not the last you’ll see of Mark Murphy.

“If I’m invited, I’ll be here,” said Murphy.

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