'No other city in the world like this': Milwaukee preparing for busy summer festival season
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Depending on who you ask, Milwaukee is known for a lot of great qualities. You've got hometown breweries, delicious restaurants, competitive sports teams, a beautiful lakefront and, of course, festivals.
"There is no other city in the world like this," said Wes Shaver, president and CEO of Milwaukee Pride, Inc. "This (will be) our 26th festival at the Henry Maier Festival Park."
Shaver joined leaders from Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. and the other festivals set to take place this summer to provide a preview of the food, drinks and entertainment that can be expected this festival season.
Pride Fest is set to kick off the season June 1-3. Polish Fest will follow June 9-11. German Fest is set for July 28-30, Black Arts Fest MKE is Aug. 5, Irish Fest is Aug. 17-20, Mexican Fiesta will celebrate its 50th edition Aug. 25-27 and Festa Italiana is Sept. 8-10.
Summerfest will once again rock the lakefront for three straight weekends: June 22-24, June 29-July 1 and July 6-8.
"This festival season is a big component of Milwaukee's local and national identity," said Don Smiley, CEO of Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.
"There's no better way to support our community than supporting these festivals," added Milwaukee World Festival President Sarah Pancheri.
Janine Adamczyk is Polish Fest's entertainment chair. She says no matter what festival you choose to attend this summer, you'll experience great food, drinks, entertainment and culture.
"We all support one another. We all go to each other's festivals, we bounce ideas off of each other," Adamczyk said. "We really do work together and it's just a joy to be here together and promote each other."
Shaver says that passion and support is what makes him love celebrating Pride Fest in the city of Milwaukee.
"The fact that Pride Fest, Polish Fest, German Fest all come together and work together and support one another to create this incredible, well-rounded opportunity is truly special," Shaver said. "It's an honor to do it."