Mexican Fiesta invites visitors
to become “part of the Tradition”

MEXICAN Fiesta welcomes the whole family to the lakefront festival grounds Aug. 25-27, featuring contests, music and other programs allowing all to “Be Part of the Tradition.”

This festival at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds) offers entertainment, exhibits, contests, shopping, food and other attractions. And at Mexican Fiesta, hands-on activities give everybody opportunities to participate while learning about Latin culture—listen to music from Ecuador, savor Puerto Rican food or participate in other ways.

In addition to having a great time, those attending Mexican Fiesta are helping to support the scholarship program that is the primary mission of Mexican Fiesta. The festival’s goal is to support students’ pursuit of higher education through at least $100,000 in scholarships. In addition, more than $40,000 is awarded to various non-profit organizations.

“Supporting Mexican Fiesta also supports tomorrow’s leaders,” says the festival’s deputy director, Teresa Mercado. “Just by attending the festival, you can help make a difference for Hispanic students.”

Every year, Mexican Fiesta unveils new features. For 2006, a Tequila Expo invites visitors to explore the history of Tequila. This “drink that made Mexico famous” has been made for hundreds of years, and its history is surrounded by stories, myths and legends.

Also for the first time this year, an exhibit on the role played by the shawl, or “El Rebozo,”  will bring color, drama and history to those visiting Mexican Fiesta. While traditionally the shawl has functioned as a baby carrier as well as apparel, a new generation is seizing on the shawl for decoration and apparel. The women participating in this “living exhibit” will answer questions and demonstrate the many dimensions of the shawl.

Mexican Fiesta’s music will include Kumbia Kings, Azucena, Ballet Folklorico Mexico de los Heranos Avila, Horoscopos de Durango and two of the best Mariachi bands in the world.

Back by popular demand are master bakers Carolos Roldan and Moises Martin, who bring a 100-year-old tradition of freshly baked bread to Mexican Fiesta. This special bread is available only at Mexican festivals, so don’t miss the opportunity to sample this delicious treat.

At the festival’s cultural village, an array of artisans from the states of Guanajuato, Jalisco, Michoacan, Estado de Mexico, Oaxaca and Veracruz will demonstrate and offer their creations for sale. Marvel as these artists create woodcarvings, paper flowers, cornhusk creations, and hand-painted items.

Crowds will gather for the fun and excitement of Mexican Fiesta’s contests. Friday offers a Salsarengue contest, Saturday features dance and El Grito contests, and on Sunday are the jalapeno eating and costume contests.

A car show, HOTWHEELZ 2006, adds to the fun, along with a Milwaukee Mile Racing Car Display. A soccer tournament will be held at Urban Park Saturday and Sunday,  and Walk & Run for Wishes to Mexican Fiesta (benefiting Make-A-Wish will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon (414-389-600).

Midway rides, children’s area and stage, Golf clinics for kids add to the fun.

Sunday, a lakefront procession and mass will honor La Virgen de Guadalupe. The Mass will be held in the Marcus Amphitheater at 10 a.m. Those attending the mass will be admitted to Mexican Fiesta after the Mass at a reduced rate. Also on Sunday, a Migrant Day Celebration will be held at 12:30 p.m.

Admission to Mexican Fiesta is $12 at the gate, with children under 10 admitted free with adults. On Friday, there is free admission from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for the general public, and there is free admission on Saturday and Sunday from noon-1 p.m. for seniors and people with disabilities.

Festival hours are 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday, and noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, phone 414-383-7066, 414-383-7084 or visit www.mexicanfiesta.org.