"You can't capture this anywhere else": Summerfest guests celebrate opening day

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Eager music fans poured into Henry Maier Festival Park Wednesday afternoon for the opening day of Summerfest.

Hanson and Foreigner were just a few of the big names performing.

Guests all agreed that opening night officially marked the start of their summer.

The Big Gig is back for its 52nd year, and attendee Pam Beining says she's attended every single one of them.

"I've seen Ike and Tina Turner here when they were together," Beining said. "I've seen Jose Feliciano singing Feliz Navidad in the middle of summer. You can't capture this anywhere else."

Others are continuing a new Summerfest tradition, and some are heading to opening day to mark a special occasion.

The Big Gig has it all -- dancing, drinks, and of course the food.

As we celebrate a brand new stage this year, Pam Beining is amazed at the Summerfest grounds' transformation over 52 years.

"I used to come here with my dad when I was eight years old, and it was just dirt," Beining said. "This place right now, it's amazing how it's grown."

If you didn't make it out to the Big Gig Wednesday night, there's still plenty of time to attend. Summerfest runs from June 26-30 and July 2-7. Check out the lineups here.