Tradition and Honor Reign at Indian Summer Festival
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tradition and Honor Reign at Indian Summer Festival
24th Annual Celebration of Native American Culture hits Milwaukee’s Lakefront
Milwaukee – Aug. 23, 2010 Native Americans named Milwaukee a gathering place by the water - “Milliocki” - many years ago. Indian Summer Festival offers a chance to once again gather by the water and celebrate Native American culture. From September 10 through 12, travel back in time with traditional arts and foods, a marketplace with Native American inspired gifts, a traditional weekend-long Pow Wow, the Indian Summer Music Awards and more.
“Milwaukee celebrates its heritage with major ethnic festivals almost every weekend in summer,” said VISIT Milwaukee President and CEO, Paul Upchurch. “It’s an easy weekend trip to sample the cultures of the world with traditional food, music, dances, art and celebrations.”
This year’s Indian Summer Festival theme is “honoring our warriors.” Veterans, enlisted military personnel and first responders will be honored with free admission all weekend, a Veteran’s Parade on Saturday at 3 p.m.; a Wall of Honor displaying pictures and memories of American Indians who have served, or continue to serve, our country; and a special emphasis on honoring warriors in the Traditional Pow Wow.
On Saturday at 6:30 p.m., the Indian Summer Music Awards will be a main feature of the festival. The show, hosted by Irene Bedard, the voice and physical model for Disney’s Pocahontas, will honor Native American talent in all genres.
The Indian Summer marketplace boasts more than 100 vendors from across North America. The Gathering Place hosts community service organizations and educational institutions. On Sunday, a traditional Native American Prayer Ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Native Spritual Leaders and Christian Native Church Leaders will honor the Direction of the North - the Direction of Patience and Wisdom.
The festival runs Friday, September 10 through Sunday, September 12 at Henry Maier Festival Park. For details regarding admission, hours and attractions, visit the Indian Summer website at http://www.indiansummer.org
VISIT Milwaukee markets Greater Milwaukee to tourists, convention and meeting planners nationally and internationally and is dedicated to ensuring our guests are warmly welcomed and enjoy an enriching experience in this jewel of the Great Lakes. VISIT Milwaukee has more than 600 members, including hotels/motels, restaurants, attractions, services and area businesses. Tourism generated $2.3 billion in spending in Greater Milwaukee in 2009 and supported about 58,000 local jobs. The City of Wauwatosa, Frontier Airlines, Potawatomi Bingo Casino and the Wisconsin Center District are strategic partners with VISIT Milwaukee, providing funding support for conventions and tourism programs. For more information call 1-800-554-1448 or visit www.visitmilwaukee.org.
Dave Fantle, VP of Public Relations
414.287.4253
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Jeannine Sherman, Public Relations Manager
414.287.6230