An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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INDIAN SUMMER Festival, North America's largest cultural gathering of its kind, celebrates its 28th year Sept. 5-7 at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds). The 2014 theme, "Horse Nation Celebration," will focus on the role of hors- es in Native American history and culture. Ten American Indian horses and ponies will be at the festival with celebrities Rupert Isaacson, founder of "The Horse Boy" method, and Phillip Whiteman, Jr., founder of the "Medicine Wheel Model to Natural Horsemanship." Children's hands-on activities also will explore the connection between horses and Native Americans. New to Indian Summer "Living Cultures of the Great Lakes" offers the opportunity for guests to experience Woodland tribal cultures through participation in dance, games, songs and language as well as gain an understanding of the complexities of such skills as fire-starting with a bow-drill and flint, decoy mak- ing, beadwork and more. Other exhibits will high- light traditional foods, the indigenous diet, garden- ing techniques and tribal sovereignty. Entertainment highlights include Joseph Hall, the Native American Elvis impersonator, and the Native Pride Dancers, who employ an innovative blend of modern and traditional Native American dance style. Festival favorites Indian Summer's Contest Pow Wow features unforgettable sights and sounds as dancers of all ages compete. The popular "Grand Entry" is a for- mal procession of veterans, active service mem- bers, Native "royalty" and dancers as they bring in Eagle Staffs along with tribal, veteran and American flags. Festival goers are encouraged to participate in "intertribals" where everyone is invited to join in the circle and dance. The Circle of Fine Art Exhibit brings works by major American Indian artists from across the country. Vendors at the Indian Summer Marketplace offer turquoise jewelry, pottery, home accessories and more. The Natural Path Herbal Area features traditional herbs, herbal related products, oils, coffee and teas, as well as massages. A Native Children's Fashion Show showcases native-inspired works by Navajo designer LeAnn Hascon Ward. Traditional foods and festival favorites are always available at Indian Summer Festival. Enjoy fry- bread, Indian tacos, bison burgers, freshwater fish, wild rice, hulled corn, berries and more, along with hot dogs, ice cream and steamed corn. Festival guests can take a canoe ride along the Lake Michigan shoreline Saturday and Sunday until dusk. Sports highlights Indian Summer Festival Lacrosse will feature the more traditional version of lacrosse through a schedule of exhibition matches, competitions, skills camps and educational programs, along with an Honor Game. Also featured again this year is Olympic-style amateur boxing with legends of the Native American boxing world. Saturday and Sunday specials Saturday night, the Fiddle and Jig Contest brings the audience to their feet (literally) as contestants jig for prizes. Fiddling has been associated with Native people of America and Canada, going back to classic American heroes such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Also on Saturday, Indian Summer Music Awards (ISMA) celebrates its 11th year with a glittery evening pro- gram featuring live performances. On Sunday at 10 a.m. Indian Summer holds its annual Prayer Service. Also on Sunday morning, Dylan's Run partners with the festival to benefit the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin. Hours and admission Festival hours are 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon- midnight Saturday and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $14/general admission; $10/elders ages 60+. Children age 12 and under are admitted free of charge. For admission specials and more information, visit indiansummer.org. 36 Indian Summer Festival dazzles crowds