Wednesday is Opening Day for Summerfest 2013!

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- There is just one full day left until Summerfest 2013 kicks off! The festival opens on Wednesday, June 26th and runs for 11 days -- from June 26th - 30 and July 2nd - 7th. The festival will be closed on Monday, July 1st. Summerfest officials are spending the early part of this week making last-minute preparations.

"We see a light at the end of the tunnel and are really excited to have people come down and actually be on the grounds," Summerfest spokeswoman Jess Meiller said.

This year's festival highlights the waterfront more than ever before!

Meiller says a new zip line ride will give music lovers a new view of the grounds and the water. This new attraction provides participants with views of the water and Summerfest Grounds as they speed along from 35 feet above. Patrons can enjoy the experience for only $5 a run or $8 for two runs. Provided by Music on the Move Plus, the zip line gives the thrill-seeker an exciting rush as they zoom above the crowd for 120 feet!

And this year, Summerfest guests can even get out onto the water -- by renting a paddleboat!

The paddleboat rentals cost $8. From Noon – 8:00 pm each day, guests can paddle around part of the lagoon for 30 minutes in boats that hold up to four people.

Additionally, Skydive Milwaukee is putting on lakeside shows for free! Skydive Milwaukee is set to perform five jumps over Lake Michigan during Summerfest, landing on Lakeshore State Park.

"They jump kind of straight here and it's like a whole little show. Four of them will be in the air and then they will land on the beach," Meiller said.

Away from the lake, people will take pictures in the Cool Down Lounge that could end up on signs across Milwaukee -- with a red smile added as part of Summerfest's "Smile On" campaign.

"They'll have the smile transposed on their face and they'll be shot up to billboards around the area for everyone to see," Meiller said.

Of course, there's also MUSIC, with over 800 acts on 11 stages!

"The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Gavin DeGraw, Diplo. We have Pitbull, we have Fun -- Just a great variety of acts for any type of music lover and any genre," Meiller said.

Additionally, there are a number of ways to save on Summerfest admission!

Opening Day is Johnson Controls "Stomp Out Hunger Day" -- sponsored in part by FOX6 News!

All patrons that arrive between Noon – 3:00 pm who donate three non-perishable food items will receive one FREE admission ticket.

Donations will benefit the Hunger Task Force.

Additionally, at 5:30 p.m. on Opening Day, Summerfest Grounds Crew and Security Staff stationed throughout Henry Maier Festival Park will thank patrons by actively taking part in distributing 25,000 FREE Weekday Admission tickets ($10 value/ticket) to patrons on the Summerfest Grounds who approach them, smile and deliver the phrase: "Smile On."

Anyone who approaches the participating employees and shows their Summerfest spirit by exclaiming "Smile On!" will receive one Weekday Admission ticket while supplies last.

CLICK HERE for additional information on Summerfest, and ways to save on admission.