The first week of Summerfest was a mix of old and new, reminding me again why I look forward to this 11-day music festival every year, and encouraging me to seek out the novel improvements. Musical acts, food vendors, wonderful weather are all major selling points.
But mostly I go for the extreme-ness of it all. Cram this many hot, tipsy bodies into one mosh pit and there’s bound to be some Summerfest Superlatives that come out of it (just like in 2016 and 2017).
Newest Entrance Gate
All photos by Joe Powell for The Squeaky Curd.
Sure, its trendy ‘swoop’ design looks just like Bel Air Cantina and the new Bucks’ Arena (aka Harley Davidson Arena), but can it hold back a raging Imagine Dragons crowd? Only time will tell.
Most Raucous Side-Stage Dance Party
You’ve got a guy with a water bottle in each back pocket and another guy with a broken foot boot burning up the dance floor. Sometimes the Ecuador Manta pan-flute just overtakes you.
Sandaliest Man at Summerfest
He seems so thrilled with his decision to wear sandals to a huge music festival. Is that puddle he just stepped in beer or something else? The mystery is the fun.
Easiest Food to Walk Around With
Whether or not my Editor agrees with my assessment of the best food at Summerfest, Island Noodles in their noodly little cup are the food least likely to be spilled while Sky Gliding. [Editor’s note: I definitely don’t agree, #TeamSourCreamandChiveFries]
Most Inappropriate Dance Moves During “Hey There Delilah”
It’s not that this man was a bad dancer, it’s just that The Plain White T’s probably didn’t intend their hit ballad as an air-grinding jam song. Then again, we don’t know what Delilah’s into. Besides mono-color shirts, of course.
Most Disappointed Artist Portraits
I don’t know what we as a city have done to so upset Dave Grohl and Dave Matthews, but we really need to reevaluate our personal choices.
Coolest Man at Summerfest
In the literal sense. This man saw the Power Breezer spewing cold mist on a 100 degree day and knew just what he needed to do. Stay cool, sir.
One more weekend of Summerfest goodness before the big red smiley packs it away for the winter. Don’t miss our picks for Days 10-11!