feature article - august 2007

Enjoy the food, fun and tradition at Mexican Fiesta, August 24-26

MEXICAN Fiesta welcomes the whole family to the lakefront festival grounds Aug. 24-26, 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 the world’s premier Mariachi band, savor Latin cuisine or participate in many other ways.

Every year, Mexican Fiesta unveils new features. For 2007, those of Mexican descent can follow their family tree with the help of a professional genealogist.

Also new this year is an intriguing photo display featuring photos gathered from families throughout the state. “Mexican Roots in Wisconsin, Generations 1900-2007” will link the achievements of today with the sacrifices of yesterday.

Wrestle Fiesta, presented by the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Wrestling Club, will also be returning to the festival this year to put on a great tournament.

Back this year is the Tequila Expo, where visitors can 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.

Mexican Fiesta’s performers will include Ramon Ayala y Sus Bravos del Norte , Bronco, Diana Reyes, The Hometown Boys, David Marez, Javier Ramirez, Elida Reyna and many more. Drawing fans will be the internationally renowned Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, the best mariachi in the world.

Back by popular demand are master bakers Carlos Roldan and Moíses Martín, who bring a 100-year-old tradition of freshly baked bread to Mexican Fiesta. This special bread is available only at Mexican Fiesta, 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 México, Oaxaca and Veracruz will demonstrate and offer their creations for sale. Marvel as these artists create woodcarvings, paper flowers, corn husk creations, and hand-painted items.

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

A car show, HOTWHEELZ 2007, adds to the fun. 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 (262-781-4445).

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

Sunday, a lakefront procession and mass will include Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, S.D.B. from Honduras (who is mentioned as a possible successor to Pope Benedict XVI). Also presiding at the mass will be The Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of Milwaukee. The Mass will be held in the Marcus Amphitheater with entry at the South Gate. (Gates close at 11:30 a.m. for the mass). Those attending the mass will be admitted to Mexican Fiesta for free.

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.

Admission to Mexican Fiesta is $12 at the gate, with children under 10 admitted free with adults. On Friday, there is free admission from noon-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 noon-midnight all three days of the festival. For more information, phone 414-383-7066, 414-383-7084 or visit www.mexicanfiesta.org.