Opening Day of Summerfest sees big crowds

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The weather couldn't have been better for Summerfest's opening day along the lakefront.

It's back! No, really back. Crowds today, on June 23 mirror a typical Summerfest.

"I'm super happy to be back," said Ruth Brown of Wauwatosa.

Last year, with COVID concerns higher and vaccination cards required, we just didn't see the numbers.

"I think with everything going on, we just didn't get down here and then we thought now is the perfect opportunity to get out again," said Tracy Blaubach of Cedar Grove.

Opening Day 2022 drew big crowds to the big gig from all over.

"It's awesome. First time we've ever been to Summerfest. We've never been here before so. Newbies, welcome," said Missy Pawlak of Chicago.

The weather, with blue skies, and comfortable temperatures, it kicked up the attendance numbers.

"I think it's great, like the past days have been really warm so today's pretty perfect," said Yazmin Navarro of Illinois.

But it's the music that brings them here with at least a dozen stages.

"They are amazing. They're super talented. Actually how can you not love them?" said Ruth Brown.

"Who are you seeing tonight? Bare Naked Ladies. Steve Aoki," said Samantha Sloane and Olivia Smetana.

We spoke with fans from all over.

"So who are you hoping to see tonight? Jason Aldean darling," said Stephanie Eberson.

"We're waiting for Toad the Wet Sprocket. Never got a chance to see them when I really started following them 20, 25 years ago. Saw they were playing at Summerfest and we had to come," said John Schuurman of Chicago.

New this year, music on a boat.

"I was just shocked to see cause Rodney Atkins is such a big name to see him floating on a pontoon just rocking out. It's awesome," said Jennifer Catron of Chicago.

And with all that music, a little recharge is needed at the food stands.

"Saz is like my go-to so I can get French fries like reboot, get a little energy," said Olivia Smetana of Racine.

"What are you eating today? Pulled pork. Woo. So good I cannot wait to take a bite," said Stephanie Eberson.

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