Indian Summer Festival Ends 32 Year Run At The Summerfest Grounds

The Indian Summer will no longer host its 3-day lakefront festival at the Summerfest grounds.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

March 19, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, the Indian Summer Festival Board of Directors announced that their non-profit organization will no longer hold the annual lakefront festival that included a three day Pow Wow at the Summerfest grounds after a 32 year run. The following statement was released by the festival organizers, "The Board of Directors of Indian Summer Festival, Inc. is announcing that after 32 years, Indian Summer Festival will not be held as it is currently known.

The festival has been held the weekend after Labor Day at Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds), located on Milwaukee's lakefront. Going forward, Indian Summer Festival will focus on popular aspects and programming will be reinvented and presented throughout the Milwaukee metro area.

Education Day, contest pow wow, Indian Summer Music Awards (ISMA), amateur boxing competition, marketplace, fine art, lacrosse games, village reproductions, cultural displays, performances and traditional food have been festival attendee favorites.

"Our mission to educate people about American Indian cultures, showcase the diversity that exists within tribal cultures, provide economic opportunities to our people, and strengthen communication and understanding will continue," said John Warren, president of Indian Summer Festival, Inc.

Warren continued, "We have been embraced by Milwaukee and its surrounding communities with respect and support. For this we are forever thankful.

As a non-profit, all-volunteer organization, it has become increasingly difficult to meet expenses associated with a producing a large festival.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, our volunteers, the city's other ethnic festivals and Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. They have all helped make our festival possible for the past 32 years."

On behalf of the festival's Board of Directors, "Thank you to all who have supported, attended and enjoyed our festival. We look forward to seeing you again soon.""