Arab World Fest

I was extremely excited to get back in festival mode and attend Arab World Fest. We have not attended Arab World before and were thrilled to check it out.

Arab World Fest was the smallest fest yet held at Maier Park. The park was only open from the Potowatomi Stage to the Miller Lite Oasis. We first looked through the cultural tent, which featured a cooking demonstration and several educational booths with cultural items on display. They wisely set up the kids area in the middle of the walkway with bouncy houses, big slide and soccer speed test, among other activities. All kids activities required tickets. Camel rides were $5. We enjoyed the musical stylings of Gaida & Levantine Indulgence followed by Al Ramtha Jordanian Folklore Troupe. Both seemed authentic, though I am not an expert.

I wondered how the generally non-drinking culture of the Arab World would mesh with the omni-drinking culture of Wisconsin. Well, there was only one beer vendor selling Miller Lite or MGD, and she was always working although never busy. The Hookah stand, on the other hand, was very popular and probably one third of the tables were enjoying a Hookah or two. Hookahs were $15, and we selected apple over grape and mixed fruit.

The food was awesome. We sampled shawarma, kifta, falafil and humus. All excellent and prices were fair.

The Arab World represents 22 nations across three continents. Arab World Fest was one of the most diverse and inviting fests of the summer. Several times we were engaged in conversation with people from all over the United States and world. Overall, it was a good experience, although after a couple of hours, we had seen it all and were ready to hit the road.

Ratings:

Entertainment is a Ringo. Perhaps it is my personal taste or the language barrier, but the acts were not engaging.
Drink is Miller Lite. Miller Lite and MGD were $5 for 16 oz bottles. Hookahs were a must for $15.
Food is Italian Combo with sweet and hot peppers. There were only 5-6 options, but the food and prices were excellent.
Cost was $10 for adults. We used the Entertainment Book coupon for 2 for 1 admission.
Bathrooms are a McGillicuddy's. There wasn't a wait, but there was only one set of bathrooms open on the far side of the grounds.
Adult vs. Family Fun spectrum is FantaSea. The absence of the drunken clowns present at most fests pushed the ratings to a syrupy Shedd-like experience.

Ratings

Entertainment is on the Beatles Scale from Ringo to John. Ringo is fun, however not terribly engaging and cannot stand alone as single act. George shows glimpses of brilliance, however is relegated as a supporting feature. Paul is excellent, great for singing along and definitely worth the price of admission. John is the greatest ever.

Drink is based on the Beer Scale from Miller Lite to Guinness. Miller Lite is okay in a pinch, but almost anything else would be better. Bud Light is good, ordinary and passable. Lakefront Local Acre is excellent, intriguing, and an excellent surprise. Guinness is classic greatness that stands the test of time.

Food is based on the Sandwich Scale from Bologna on white bread, boring; Ham and Swiss on rye, ordinary; Jimmy Johns delivered, amazing; to Italian combo with sweet and hot peppers, stuff of legend.

Cost will report the costs of admission, beer, and access to discounts.

Bathrooms will be on the Public Bathroom Comparison Scale from State Street BW3, strangely disgusting; McGillicuddy’s, long lines; Trinity, clean and available; and finally, Das Old German Beer Hall, strangely entertaining.

The Family Friendly vs. Adult Fun Spectrum will go from Fantasea Dolphin Show at the Shedd Aquarium, to Disney World, to Vegas, to Stanley Kubrick Movie.