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MILWAUKEE -- There were more crowds than usual at Milwaukee's lakefront this weekend, as there were two festivals taking place blocks away from one another. Polish Fest took place on the Summerfest grounds, and Lakefront Festival of Arts took place just a few blocks away.
Polish Fest marked the beginning of festival season, and the first ethnic festival of the year. Held annually on the Summerfest grounds, Polish Fest guarantees all the Polish sausage, beer and polka one's heart can handle!
Polish Fest's director said this year could be a record year for attendance and revenue.
"We broke an opening day record on Friday and had glorious weather. Even though (Saturday) had some spots of rain, we did really well," Polish Fest's director told FOX6 News.
Milwaukee's Polish Fest is the largest Polish festival in America.
The Lakefront Festival of Arts celebrated its 50th year this weekend, as 170 artists from the Milwaukee area and around the world put their best work on display and up for sale.
"It helps that we're one of the first festivals of the season, so along with Polish Fest, we kind of kick off summer," one Lakefront Festival of Arts official said.
Lakefront Festival of Arts officials estimated they were about 25 percent over where they were last year, in terms of attendance.
Artist Michael Brown was running out of his hologram art to sell.
"This is my best year. There are a lot of factors that go into making a great show. You can never predict how it's going to turn out, but everything is coming together," Brown said.
Officials from both festivals say the weather plays a main role in getting people to come out, and this weekend's weather was top notch.
The next big lakefront festival, Summerfest, celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, and begins in just 10 days -- June 27th.