Summerfest offers new water-based family friendly attraction

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Summerfest patrons will have a new activity to take part in at this year's festival as officials have announced the addition of paddleboats.

The attraction gives guests of all ages a chance to get out on the water and take in the views of the festival and downtown Milwaukee. Paddlers can travel around the northern portion of the lagoon between Henry Maier Festival Park and Lakeshore State Park, under the Lakeshore State Park bridge, and into the marina near Discovery World.

"This water experience brings an added dimension of fun and beauty to the overall festival experience that we believe patrons of all ages will enjoy immensely," said John Boler, Chief Marketing Officer at Milwaukee World Festival, Inc.

Badger Meter is the inaugural sponsor of the Summerfest paddleboats. Lakeshort Paddle Sports is providing the boats.

"Not only is this a water-based attraction being sponsored by a water-based Milwaukee company, the attraction is family-friendly and promotes physical fitness," said Kim Stoll, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bader Meter.

The paddleboats will be located at the boat dock on the north end of the grounds and are available from noon to 8 p.m. each day of Summerfest. The cost is $8 per person for a 30 minute rental.

"In recent years our focus has been to celebrate the water by showcasing prime vistas at new stages and lakeside settings. Now we're taking it a step further by providing a new opportunity for patrons to enjoy and celebrate the water to the fullest," added Boler.

Summerfest 2013 is scheduled for June 26th - 30th and July 2nd - 7th from noon until midnight.