An introduction to the plants of the rainforest, food samples, tropical animals, African cuisine, and live music comprise the event.
Families are encouraged to bring their own flashlights on their discovery tour of the Tropical Dome. Visitors will see plants that produce nuts, fruits, vanilla beans, coffee beans, and cocoa seeds – and taste samples.
Event-goers will also have the opportunity to meet, up-close and personal, exotic birds and insects of the tropics. Lori Drew and friends from the Center for Avian Rehab and Education (CARE) will present exotic birds. Phil Holzbauer, a science teacher and entomologist, will present his collection of insects and other arthropods.
Authentic tropical cuisine by Afro Fusion Cuisine and adult beverages from Zilli Hospitality Group will be available for purchase.
Live music and poetry will round out the event. Performing in the Show Dome will be KT’s Universal Love Band; and in the Tropical Dome, Sound Alchemists. Bringing her art of performance writing, Anja Notanja Sieger of La Prosette will create and type customized poem-letter hybrids for a fee. Sieger was named this year’s Pfister Narrator.
Souvenir-seekers will enjoy the cultural market featuring items hand-crafted by people of Africa as well as other tropical regions. Fair-trade vendors include Four Corners of the World, Shea du Mali, and Africa Alive. In the Craft Corner, children will make-and-take their own Rain Forest Night buttons.
Price $7 for adults age 18 and up; $5 for Milwaukee County Seniors with ID, persons with disabilities, students of any age with ID, and youth age 6-17.