'Willkommen': Milwaukee prepares for 41st annual German Fest

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- German Fest Milwaukee, a long-standing cultural tradition in Milwaukee, is preparing to celebrate its 41st year with festivities along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Recognized as one of the top five "Kid-Friendly Festivals for Families" by Travel Wisconsin in 2018, the event offers a wide variety of activities that celebrate German cultural heritage.

We were joined by Deb Wolf, Vice President of Marketing for German Fest Milwaukee on Wednesday, July 12 to discuss details. She was even joined by a special guest, Fritzi, the German Fest mascot.

Slated for the weekend of July 28, 29 and 30, the festival features daily entertainment including fireworks, parades and German dance performances. Activities also include a Dachshund Derby, a display by European Train Enthusiasts and more interactive cultural exhibits.

Children's activities run from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The event also includes daily Glockenspiel performances and a dance showcase at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The Dachshund Derby, one of the event's highlights, is scheduled for Sunday, July 30, with a Blessing of the Dachshunds at 1:05 p.m., followed by the Derby and Ribbons at 1:15 p.m. and the Dachshund Costume Contest at 2:30 p.m.

Festival headliners, Die Lauser will be making the trip to Milwaukee all the way from Austria to perform.

Tickets are available at the gate for $18 or discounted at $7 for students and seniors over 60. Friday-only tickets are $5, and a three-day online pass is available for $30. Prices are subject to change.