Mexican Fiesta kicks off for fun-filled weekend on Milwaukee's lakefront

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's Mexican Fiesta is back for the 51st year. Mexican music, food and art will take over Henry Maier Festival Park.

This year's event is expected to see more than 100,000 people. It is the biggest in the Midwest, and entertainers and artists come all the way from Mexico to celebrate the rich culture.

"Relax, with the music and the food, family. That's what it's about though, enjoying with the family and friends," attendee Rocky Pedroza said.

While the festival is all about fun and food, it's also supporting Hispanic higher education.

"A big important piece of this is that we are here in the city of Milwaukee, and we are transforming the community, the Hispanic community, by allowing our youth to continue with higher education," said Tamara Olivas. "It’s really expensive, and so everything that you do to support Mexican Fiesta goes towards that goal."

Whether it's baking pan de feria or ticket sales, nearly 1,000 volunteers come together every year for the festival, and proceeds go to support the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Many people, like Illinois resident Veronica Diaz, have made attending the festival a family tradition. She tells CBS 58 she has been to the last 20 Mexican Fiestas.

"I love the variety and it's so safe and clean here and the people are always so, so friendly," she said. "It makes it so much easier for us that we don't have to travel far to see some of our culture, we can come here and enjoy ourselves."

Tickets are $25 and children under 8 are free. Between 12 and 1 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday, there is free admission for senior citizens 65 and older, people with disabilities, military active-duty personnel and veterans with current military identification. Only on Sunday from 12 to 2 p.m., admission is $16 when purchasing at the gate.