"How can you not be happy at Summerfest?! It’s the greatest place to be!": Big Gig kicks off it's 11-day run!



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Summerfest 2014 is officially underway! For the next 11 days, Milwaukee's lakefront will be a flurry of live music, crowds, food and libations.

It started a bit slowly -- perhaps due to the cooler, overcast weather -- but it filled in fast on Opening Day, Wednesday, June 25th.

"I enjoy the food, the music, the shopping, and the people!" one Summerfest-goer told FOX6 News on the Henry Maier Festival grounds on Opening Day.

On Opening Day, folks found plenty of each -- and also, found each other!

"It seems like when you come to Summerfest, you’ll see people you ain’t seen in three or four years! You run into ‘em," a Summerfest-goer said.

Or, in June Varney's case, they'll simply seek you out!

"I’m wearing my 'Minnie Ears,' and then you’ll be able to find me!" Varney said.

Varney says she's been attending the Big Gig since it started -- way back in 1968!

"I’ve been to Octoberfest. I’ve been to Barcelona, and lots of festivals and fairs and there’s nothing like this!" Varney said.

Even those who have never made it to what's billed as the World's Largest Music Festival can appreciate the grand gathering.

"I missed it every year, so I didn’t want to miss it again. I heard it was so much fun last year. I had to come for the food and the entertainment," a Summerfest-goer said.

Summerfest runs from June 26th through July 6th -- and is CLOSED on Monday, June 30th.

"How can you not be happy at Summerfest?!?! Gee whiz! It’s the greatest place to be! And I only live four blocks away, so I come everyday!" Varney said.

Those looking to hit up Summerfest on Wednesday evening are encouraged to bring a jacket -- as while the shows may be hot, conditions are cool.

CLICK HERE to visit Summerfest's website -- to check out the talent lineups, ticket information and MORE!