An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/146479
Maritime Heritage Festival celebrates 'working class vessels' FOR 2013, Port Washington's Maritime Heritage Festival on Aug. 23-25 turns the spotlight on the historic and present-day working class vessels of the Great Lakes. That description encompasses a huge variety of ships – tug boats, fish trawlers, Coast Guard boats, harbor cruising vessels and charter fishing boats. "These very interesting vessels are the work horses of the Great Lakes," said Sara Grover, executive director of Port Main Street, Inc. "We're giving them the time and space and to tell their stories." They will be available for exciting, interactive deck tours throughout the weekend. Grover emphasizes that "in addition to the historic and educational exhibits on the Great Lakes, there will be a lot of interactive activities for visitors, including traveling DNR fish tanks, water safety exhibits and demonstrations and the Coast Guards exhibits." The Children's Area features "Coastie, the Coast Guard Robot," teaching water safety in a fun, interactive way. Kids can assemble their own ship in the boat building area sponsored by Home Depot, then race them in special chutes designed from gutters. And, it wouldn't be a Wisconsin summer festival without musical entertainment, at this fest on two 38 stages. The schedule includes exciting headliners featuring Naima Adedapo (American Idol finalist) on Saturday (followed by fireworks!) and modern country band SaddleBrook on Sunday. Various other acts will feature a mix of Irish/Celtic, folk, bluegrass, pop/rock performers and maritime entertainers. A downtown treasure hunt for tugboats and anchors guides visitors through Port Washington's surging downtown business area and offers the possibility of fun prizes. Those inspired by the festival to head for the water can take advantage of guided, interactive harbor tours aboard the Lakeside Spirit. The always popular cardboard regattas are held this year at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The regatta always gathers an enthusiastic crowd to watch and root for their favorite vessel constructed from cardboard and manned by a brave sailor. Re-enactors add to the fun throughout the festival grounds and may even share tidbits of maritime history. A food and beverage court features a variety of offerings, and for the shop-till-you-drop crowd, there are the great shops in downtown and an Artisan's Market. Admission to the festival grounds at Port Washington's harbor area is free. For updates, visit portmaritimefestival.com or phone 262-268-1132.