Summerfest Fan Appreciation Day closes 2023: 'What a high'
MILWAUKEE - Summerfest ended its 2023 run on a high note with Fan Appreciation Day Saturday, July 8.
The first 30,000 fans got in free from noon to 3 p.m. – and some had a chance to win $1 million dollars. While no one took home that big prize, five fans won smaller cash prizes.
"Oh my gosh what a high," said Donna Marie Roush, one of the lucky winners.
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Not everyone walked away with money, but it didn't keep people from loving Summerfest.
"The atmosphere in the city is electric when Summerfest is going on," said Brian Perrigoue. "They bring in great talent, it’s cost-effective, what’s not to like?"
Summerfest's last day of 2023 (July 8, 2023)
Thousands of fans came out for the final day of the 55th 'fest after three straight weekends and hundreds of artists.
"It’s sad, but the best part is it’s coming back next year," Patrick Cannon said.
All 30,000 fans who got in free Saturday also got a free ticket for next year. Fans said they are already looking forward to it.
Fifty-five years in the books
From hundreds of artists to thousands, of fans the 55th year of Summerfest is officially over.
"It’s the shining star of Milwaukee, besides Giannis," Cannon said.
This year's Summerfest has seen everything from wildfire smoke to rain to artists like Jimmy Buffett and AJR canceling ther performances.
This year's Big Gig was the third of a three-weekend format; the 11-day run was tabled in 2019.
"It’s iffy, I don’t mind because we have a choice of when we can decide to come," said Shirley and Dick Otto of Kenosha.
"I'm getting used to it, I was used to the two-and-a-half weeks," said Carol Garland Warner.
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No matter the format, fans said they keep coming back each year.
"I love the people watching and the variety of foods to try," Roush said.
The official attendance numbers for this year haven't been released yet. They could come out sometime next week.
Summerfest has seen a sharp decline in attendance when comparing before the COVID-19 pandemic and after. However, post-pandemic numbers increased from 2021 to 2022.