Dueling Packers fences

GREEN BAY - It's an anticipated unveiling that has become a tradition leading up to the Packers season. This year's slogan on the green and gold fence across from Lambeau Field is "In coach McCarthy we trust."

But the fence will have some competition for the first time in its 26 year history.

Christopher Handler has become known as "The Packer Fence Painter" painting the fence at 1177 Shadow Lane (facing Lombardi Avenue), for the past eight seasons. However, the owner, 70-year-old Fred Harrsch, decided to take over the painting this year.

"Things happen and Fred said he wanted it to be more community and so all his friends got together and said let's do something to make it community," said Bruce Kiel of De Pere, who was one of a few dozen people who helped Harrsch paint the fence.

Handler got trademarks on his title, and outfit, partnered with a homeowner a few doors down and built a second fence at 1219 Shadow Lane.

"I made that fence that Fred painted today a world renowned piece of art," said Handler.

"It's a free country," said Harrsch. "You can paint the side of your house if you like. I don't care."

The slogan for the new fence is set to be unveiled Sept. 11, the day before the Packers kick off the regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles.