Summerfest logo: A smile with some serious staying power, the everlasting emoji



MILWAUKEE -- When you look at the history of Summerfest, you'll see just how much has changed. One thing that’s been constant for decades has a wide grin and bright eyes. It’s that ever-popular red smile.

For nearly 50 years, it’s been an iconic symbol of the Big Gig. You may call it the everlasting emoji.

Summerfest logo



Noel Spangler



Noel Spangler likes it, which is pretty cool, because he created it.

“Another fella and I had just quit our jobs in advertising agencies to start a business of our own,” said Spangler.

They wanted some publicity, so when Spangler heard about this “new” summer festival planned for Milwaukee’s lakefront, he decided it needed a face.

Summerfest logo



Summerfest logo



“There were lots of brats and beer pictures also in this Summerfest thing,” said Spangler.

He said that seemed a little too common, and he was looking for something that would stick and stand out -- kind of like the way his wife, Jan, a former first grade teacher graded papers.

Summerfest logo



Summerfest logo



“Instead of grading on the A, B, C system, she graded on the ‘happy face’ or ‘sad face’ for the little kids,” said Spangler.

Noel Spangler



That was it! Spangler said if it worked for the kids, it could work for a fest.

“Summerfest seemed to be the happy place to go,” said Spangler. “We had a number of sketches of smiles.”

All of which he threw out when he came up with “the one.” It was a big, fat granny smile with bright eyes. The color red added the punch.

Summerfest logo



The 93-year-old Spangler said he's pleased his creation has had staying power, knowing that usually, when you make a symbol for a company, it will last about 10 years. Which is why the Army veteran still does his artwork every day, sometimes all day, in his attic hideaway.

What motivates him?

Noel Spangler



“I can’t think of anything else to do,” said Spangler. “That’s the motivation.”

Summerfest logo