Delavan celebrates rich heritage
Delavan's Heritage Fest is a four-day extravaganza celebrating he city's unique history and culture featuring live music, dance, art, tours, food and fun.
Areas of focus include cultural groups, Native American beginnings, first settlers and the temperance community and European, African-American, Hispanic and Southeast Asian immigration.
Historic eras include:
• Circus era — There were circuses here before Wisconsin became a state.
• Delavan arts colony — The Art Institute of Chicago helped fledge a Delavan arts community
• Ballroom dancing — By the 1880s tourists looked to ballrooms for entertainment.
• The Wall Dogs commemorate Delavan's history with 18 murals.
View paintings from the Arts Colony artists at the Aram Public Library throughout the week.
On Saturday and Sunday, the biggest stars of the circus are scheduled to receive full spa treatment from head to toe, and the public is invited to watch each day at 12:30 p.m. The Delavan Fire Department helps out as the elephants get lathered, scrubbed, exfoliated, moisturized and pedicured so they look and feel their best when they greet fans at that afternoon's big top performance.
The all-new 79th edition of the Carson & Barnes Circus features a giant menagerie of exotic animals from around the world, which can be seen free of charge before each scheduled performance. Elephant and pony rides are available for a small charge on the circus midway, along with many other exciting pre-show activities.
Carson & Barnes Circus is affordable for the entire family. Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children under age 12. Prices are $16/$10 when purchased on circus show days. Show times at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
LIST OF EVENTS:
Thursday, Aug. 27
• 1:30 p.m. – Circus Camp for kids at the Aram Library
• 5 p.m. — 7 p.m., artist reception for exhibiting artists at the Brick Street Market,
• 5:30 p.m., Phoenix Bandshell: The Essential PT Barnum — one man's magic
• 7 p.m., Phoenix Bandshell: La Luz del Mundo band performs
Friday, Aug. 28
• 1:30 p.m., Civil War re-enactor Mike Wozny presents a program for all ages, Aram Library
• 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., tour the Congdon Gardens and enjoy a glass of wine
• 5 p.m., Phoenix Bandshell: Dangerous Folk performs
• 7 p.m., Phoenix Bandshell: Ladies Must Swing with ballroom dancing lessons
Saturday, Aug. 29
• 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Wisconsin School for the Deaf tour, 262-728-3111.
• 11 a.m., architecture tour led by Frank Landi, includes trolley and boat tour, 262-725-9200
• 11 a.m., Civil War Sesquicentennial Dedication
• 2 p.m., Carson Barnes Circus, Lake Lawn Resort Airport, located at 2375 E. Geneva St., Delavan
• 3 p.m., Phoenix Bandshell: 1st Brigade Band concert with 19th century ballroom dancing lesons
• 5 p.m., Phoenix Bandshell: Ballet Folklorico Nacional performs
• 5 p.m., Carson Barnes Circus, Lake Lawn Resort Airport, located at 2375 E. Geneva St., Delavan
• 7 p.m., Phoenix Bandshell: 1st Brigade Band concert with 19th century ballroom dancing lessons
Sunday, Aug. 30
• 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Lake Lawn boat ride and tour, 262-725-9200
• 1 p.m., Phoenix Bandshell: The Hollands perform
• 2 p.m., Carson Barnes Circus, Lake Lawn Resort Airport, located at 2375 E. Geneva St., Delavan
• 3 p.m., Phoenix Bandshell: The Dixie Doodlers perform
• 5 p.m., Carson Barnes Circus, Lake Lawn Resort Airport, located at 2375 E. Geneva St., Delavan
For more information, go to DelavanHeritageFest.com