An Official/Unofficial Start to Summer

Summerfest kicked off Thursday night with the Big Bang fireworks exhibition sponsored by our friends at Menard’s and Bartolotta Fireworks. Locals lined the lakefront on picnic blankets and folding chairs as late night joggers and bicyclists came to a halt to witness this spectacle. Even those on the Summerfest grounds stopped in their tracks to witness one of the best pyrotechnics displays in the state (We don’t call it the Big Bang for nothing). For a verbose writer who overloads on the adjectives, I can’t even describe this magnificent sight. A simple “WOW” doesn’t quite do it justice only because the Big Bang represents the sights and sounds of summer; and the official start in my opinion, then again, that's probably the third event I've claimed to be the "official start to summer." Whatever, I get excited...

   

I finally made it to the Big Gig Saturday evening as it was an ideal night for "The World's Largest Music Festival" (Guinness World Records). A couple friends of mine gathered at my apartment and walked along the lakefront towards the Henry W. Maier Festival Grounds where we met the masses at the North Gate. While waiting to pass through security, I was amused by the number of fluorescent colored mesh T-shirts worn by 40-something year old men. Gross. In mesh or not, the crisp breeze, smell of deep-fried eggplant and potatoes, and thunderous applause and drum thuds from nearby stages all created the perfect convivial atmosphere for festival goers. 

Summerfest features both local and nationally recognized music talent from a variety of different music genres. This year’s music ranged from REO Speedwagon to Ludacris and Big & Rich to Tool. Saturday, the Miller Lite Oasis was packed with fans of the Goo Goo Dolls, as was the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage (with Leinenkugel’s and FM 102.1) for Rise Against. 

Before the headliners took the stage, my friends and I walked along the cool lakefront where it’s less congested. The lakeshore path is an escape from the commotion on the inland grounds, which is only a couple feet away. But really, if you take a step back towards the lake, it’s a completely different scene. We walked past a four-some of high school kids playing hacky sack on the lawn and eventually were at the stairs of the Captain’s Deck located behind the Water Street Brewery.

The deck overlooks Lake Michigan and offers one of the best views from the festival grounds. I was momentarily fixated on the way the moon’s reflection flickered in the ripples of the water creating short sparks of light. When no longer mesmerized by the breathtaking sight, I found myself star struck as I noticed WISN’s sports anchor, Dan Needles, at the table next to me (well, not really star struck I guess. I was more curious as to why he was there. Aren't anchormen stuck inside my TV? You know, kind of like school teachers; they never actually leave the classroom because they live there). I was waiting for some Brewers highlights, but just shook the local celebrity’s hand and went on my way.

We finally left the Captain’s Deck and strolled down the paved walk which bifurcated the sea of festival goers who took advantage of the various food vendors along the walkway.  Summerfest provides patrons with the opportunity to sample a wide variety of food from many Milwaukee restaurants like Saz’s, a favorite of many. On my way to the U.S. Cellular Connection Stage, I indulged in the sampler platter and shared the mozzarella marinara, fried cheese curds, and sour cream and chive French fries with a Saz’s virgin, my boyfriend’s high school classmate visiting from Germany. 

While stuffing my face with sour cream and chive fries, I watched a couple slow dancing to the only decent song by the Goo Goo Dolls, “Long Way Down” (sorry fans). These two were obviously so into each other that they didn’t notice they were completely off tempo (this isn't “Iris”). Regardless, I couldn’t help but cock my head to the side and sigh. Women get a bit mushy, even I do (a girl who hates hearts, flowers, and cooing couples. Forgive me).

After making our way through the congestion, my friends and I finally made it to Rise Against in time to catch a number of songs. As groups hovered around the Leinie’s beer stand, pubescent moshing continued to the heavy drum beats and catchy pop-punk rhythms, while I avoided beer spillage.   

As I came to the fest to enjoy the night with some of my close friends, others had their own reasons for checking out the scene. Maybe they came for a cold beer and to people watch, or perhaps to share a ride on the WKLH Skyglider with the kids and have a Hawaiian Ice. No matter how the time is spent at Summerfest, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.

Milwaukee is a coexistence of city life fused with the charm of a small town. It’s amazing that a city the size of Milwaukee can host a summer festival that attracts millions of people from all over the United States, as well as, a dedicated following of locals who take pride in Summerfest’s variety of entertainment and music genres each year. 

Because of the huge annual turnout, Summerfest not only is a blessing for our economy, but (more importantly) an event that brings people together. I’ve heard outsiders describe Milwaukee as empty, unkempt, and even boring! Clearly, these people haven’t been to this festival that creates camaraderie through music, food, and entertainment and continues to fashion Milwaukee into a culturally stimulating and fun place to live and visit.

Comments

[wayne]

"Long Way Down" is the only decent song the Goo Goo dolls ever played.

[Christi]

Um...no. That would be "Black Balloon" =)

And you know, I have to say that I was sadly dissapointed in the Big Bang fireworks this year. The 3rd fireworks are 10 times better!!

[Eric]

You saw Dan Needles? Why didn't you get a photo with that guy? ;)

[KarenC]

Christi, you’re right. The 3rd of July fireworks are indeed the best! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend this year. How were they?
____________________________

Yes, I met Dan Needles. Why didn’t I get a photo with him? Because I didn't have the memory card in my camera. What about it, punk? :)