An A-Z visitors guide to Milwaukee Wisconsin. Sponsored by Key Magazine Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Tyskie beer, shipped to Milwaukee from Poland, quenches festgoers' thirst through a cooperative arrangement with MillerCoors. Polish Fest is the only ethnic festival to directly import beer for its event. Some of Poland's finest vodkas, including Sobieski, as well as meads and liqueurs, tantalize at tastings. These ethnic specialties also will be available for purchase throughout the festival. Cultural delights At Polish Fest's popular Cultural Village, artists demonstrate traditional crafts including woodcarv- ing, paper cutting (wycinanki), decorating eggs (pisanki) and metalworking. Polish painters display their work in a market square. Back again are Polish Sheepdogs, including Highland (Tatra). Experts from the Polish Genealogical Society of America help visitors trace their roots. Special displays include "Polish Heroes: Those Who Rescued Jews," an exhibit from the Galicia Jewish Museum in Krakow. Another exhibit features Polish military regalia from the 17th century through WWII. A multi media pres- entation depicts the September 1939 bombing of Warsaw. And in a separate tent, don't miss a display (and demonstrations) of Polish bagpipes. At the Sukiennice or outdoor marketplace, tempting treasures for purchase include beautiful amber jewel- ry, Boleslawiec pottery, blown glass ornaments, Polish crystal, hand-carved wooden boxes and many festival souvenirs. The 14th Annual Chopin Youth Piano Competition will be held on Sunday from 5-9:30 p.m. and pro- vides a unique performance opportunity for talented young pianists to showcase the music of Poland's beloved composer. For more information, call 414-529-2140 or visit www.polishfest.org. '50-CENT' FRIDAY Starts Fest on economical note "50-CENT FRIDAY" opens Polish Fest June 15. Admission will be only 50 cents from noon to 5 p.m. and only $5 from 5 to midnight. The regular Saturday and Sunday admission rates are still economical: $12 general admission at the gate, $10 for seniors (55+), with children 15 and under free. For information about $10 advance tickets, see the Polish Fest website. On Sunday, a traditional Polish Mass will be celebrated at 10:15 a.m. For Mass attendance, gates open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 11 a.m. The Mass is free and entrance into Polish Fest is $4 following the Mass. To celebrate Father's Day Sunday, dads are admitted free from 4-6 p.m. with a child of any age. All weekend there is free admission to U.S. military personnel who wear their military uniform and present an active military I.D. at the Main Gate. On Saturday, June 16, there is free admission from 8 p.m.-midnight with a donation to the Hunger Task Force of three or more food items. 9 Photos by Monika Sobierajski