Milwaukee Summerfest—The World's Largest Music Festival"The vision for Summerfest was the brainchild of the late Mayor Henry W. Maier in the 1960s. Following a visit to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, Mayor Maier dreamed of a festival for the people of Milwaukee that would re-energize the downtown and provide a sense of community pride. His goal was to offer them an affordable vacation right in their hometown during the height of the summer season. "The first Summerfest was held in 1968 at 35 separate locations throughout the downtown area. Crowds were enthusiastic and festival planners were encouraged, even though the first festival closed with a slim profit of less than $10,000. Summerfest `69 expanded to 60 locations. It was plagued with bad weather, including heavy rains on the final day of the festival and all of the day’s activities were cancelled. Facing $164,000 debt, civic leaders determined that change was needed. The support and determination of the private sector to see the festival succeed is what saved Summerfest... "Today, nearly one million attendees visit Summerfest each year. The festival boasts 11 stages that are filled with exciting performances from noon until midnight each day of the festival, and the lakefront location provides the perfect atmosphere for a summertime music extravaganza." In 2007, Summerfest celebrated its 40th Anniversary! When is Summerfest 2009? For more information and the line-up of performers and special events, visit SummerFest.com.
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