An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/146479
hostess and actress, appears for autograph sessions 5-6 p.m. and 8-9 pm. Friday, 4-5 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Saturday and 3 -4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. Sunday at the CRIE Pavilion. Visit the Cultural Pavilion to see beautiful arches, remarkable water fountain and handcrafted artisan works from the states of Mexico. Artists representing a number of Mexican states will display artworks raning from wood carvings to jewelry to corn husk dolls, with many available for purchase. Don't miss the mouth watering Pan de Feria – traditional festival bread baked fresh every day by master bakers. Also, the Genealogy Exhibit is where visitors can learn how to trace their "Mexican roots" The Cultural Pavilion also features folkloric dances, music and craft workshops.With pride and gratitude, Mexican Fiesta presents a special "Flag of Our Nation, Flags of Fathers" Parade. Together, Mexican Fiesta, American GI Forum of Wisconsin and Wisconsin's Latino Veterans celebrate the Americas. Musical performances throughout the weekend include international recording superstars and other top acts: Paquita la del Barrio, Fidel Rueda, Toby Love, Emilio Navaira, Los Desperadoz, Banda Machos, Mariachi Joya de Mexico and Mariachi Mexico Vive. Visit Mexican Fiesta for these entertainers – mariachi, salsa, banda, bachata merengue, cumbia and much more. The Rock en Español Stage again brings fun contemporary sounds to Mexican Fiesta. Crowds will gather for the fun and excitement of Mexican Fiesta's contests. Friday offers a Salsarengue contest; Saturday, Dance and El Grito contest with Mariachi, and Sunday, jalapeno-eating and Traditional costume contests. New this year is a Best Margarita and Best Traditional Mojito Contest, open only to bartenders from area restaurants and night spots. On Sunday, a new Bachata Dance contest will pit amateurs against each other. Hotwheelz 2013 is Milwaukee's hottest car and motorcycle show, held at the north end of the festival grounds on Saturday. A soccer tournament (at Urban Park) will be held 16 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Midway rides as well as the Children's Play Area and Children's Stage add to the fun. On Sunday, Fiesta Walk! promotes diabetes and obesity awareness through a fun family event that will take registrants on a two mile walk. Meet and walk with Jose Del Valle from ESPN Deportes, Betty Monroe and Dr. Cleo from Molina Health Care. With paid registration, participants receive a t-shirt and admission to Mexican Fiesta from noon-3 p.m. (while wearing the event t-shirt). Registration begins at 8 a.m., welcome at 9 a.m. and walk kick-off at 9:30 a.m. Sunday only, look for the Fiesta Walk health sessions from noon-4 p.m. Also Sunday, a lakefront procession at 10:15 a.m. is followed by Mass held in the Marcus Amphitheater with entry at the South Gate. (Gates close at 11:30 a.m. for the mass). The mass includes Principal Celebrant Mons. Silvio José Báez Ortega, O.C.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Managua, Nicaragua. Mass is free, but after Mass, promotions and gate ticket prices apply. On display all weekend will be a special sanctuary of Our Lady of Zapopan next to the Cultural Pavilion, with confessions heard from 6-8 p.m. every day. In addition to having a great time, those attending Mexican Fiesta are helping to support the scholarship program, Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation (WHSF). To date, WHSF has provided more than $1,000,000 in college scholarships. Hours are noon to midnight. Admission to Mexican Fiesta is $15 at the gate, children eight years and under are free with adult. The Mexican Fiesta Stimulus Package, at $60, saves visitors $20 and includes four admission tickets to Mexican Fiesta as well as 20 food and beverage tickets. The Stimulus Package can be purchased online and at the Mexican Fiesta office, but is only available until Aug. 15. For more information, phone 414-383-7066 or visit www.mexicanfiesta.org. Schedule subject to change. 37