Indian Summer Fest Summerfest Grounds Milwaukee
Festival Celebrates Native American Culture September 5-7, 2008
Aug 11, 2008
Indian Summer Festival is held on the Summerfest Grounds, Henry G. Meier Festival Park, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 5-7, 2008. The late summer festival offers the opportunity to glimpse into the multifaceted world of Native Americans, as members of many different tribes come together to share their heritage. The September weekend in Milwaukee is a great time to spend time in the summer sun and enjoy the balmy breezes on the lake front.
Members of different tribes share their diverse history and culture, songs, stories and skills at this three day festival on the lake front of Milwaukee. Festival goers see live demonstrations of traditional skills, such as bead work, finger weaving, basket weaving, bow and arrow making, pottery carving and more. Native American history comes alive with intriguing presentations and displays.
Pow Wow
The 22nd Annual Competition Pow Wow takes places all three days of the festival
The Pow Wow is a combination of traditional dancing, singing and storytelling that allows people to experience the culture of the American Indian people. Listen to the compelling sounds of the pounding drums and stomping feet. See the visual excitement or the swirling colors in a vibrant pageant.
Pow Wows bring members of many American tribes together to renew old friendships, to create new friendships and to preserve the centuries old tradition of their respective tribes. Tribe members compete for top honors in traditional dance and age group categories, while an emcee explains the significance of each dance to the audience.
Natural Path Area
Learn about traditional healing methods and herbal medicines.
Arts and Crafts at the "Circle of Life" Exhibit
Traditional arts and crafts will be displayed and for sale at the Circle of Life Exhibit. American Indian and Western artists from across North America bring artworks, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, weaving, jewelry, drums, flutes and furnishings.
Entertainment
The weekend of entertainment features Native American music and dancing. Entertainment is features on the Miller Stage, Harley Stage, Miller Lite Stage, Potawatomi Pavilion Stage and Eagles Nest Stage
Indian Summer Festival Food
Try some to the traditional American Indian favorites, such as fry bread, buffalo, venison, Indian tacos, wild rice casserole, turkey or roasted corn. Tradition festival fare, such as burgers, hot dogs, ice cream an pizza will ls also be available.
Admission
General admission
- Adults $10 in advance, $12 at the gate
- Elders (60+) $10
- Children (12 and under) Free
Special and Free admissions
- Friday 4-6 pm Free with school supply sponsored by Mohican North Star Casino Bingo
- Friday: Free admission to those attending UW. Milwaukee's Pantherfest at Marcus Amphitheater 4 pm - midnight on September 5 only.
- Sunday: Free with school supply, 9:30 am is attending Prayer Ceremony at the Potawatomi Pavilion Stage. Entry to the Festival immediately following the prayer Ceremony.
- Sunday: Free to participants of Dylan's Run, who are wearing Dylan's Run T-shirts.
- Sunday: Free with Journal Sentinel Press Card 2 pm - 4 pm.
Advance Ticket Locations
Advance Tickets are available from August 10 through September 4. Ticket locations include: American Indian Chamber of Commerce, West Allis; Ho-Chunk Nation, Milwaukee; Outpost Natural Foods; S.E,. Oneida Tribal Services, Milwaukee; UWM American Indian Student Services; Best Western Inn Towne Hotel, Milwaukee; Layton State Bank, New Berlin; Pick and Save Stores, The Silver Shop, Germantown; Discovery World Pier Wisconsin, Milwaukee; Mitchell Bank, Milwaukee; Rupena's Fine Foods, West Allis;Twyunhehkwa, Oneida; Hal's Harley Davidson, New Berlin; Mitchell Museum of the American Indian Evanston, IL; Silver Eagle, Oconomowoc; Turtle Island Beads, Baraboo.
Information is subject to change.
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