"I support it:" Most said they don't mind metal detectors at Summerfest, even if there's a slight wait



MILWAUKEE -- Summerfest 2016 began at noon Wednesday, June 29th when the gates officially opened, and hundreds of thousands of people will flock to the lakefront for Summerfest over its 11-day run.

There was something new this year: Metal detectors at the admission gates.

Seven-year-old Nicholas Li knew going in how he'd spend his first day at Maier Festival Park.

Nicholas Li



"I really like corn. I'm going to have some hot dogs. I'm going to have popcorn, soda," Li said.

Before he could enjoy the food, music and fun, he and everyone else headed into Summerfest had to walk through metal detectors.

"The first thing they are going to notice, obviously, are the metal detectors," Bill Wesley, Summerfest security said.

Metal detectors at Summerfest





Wesley said it is what many other large-capacity venues are doing around the country -- along with restricting the size of bags that can be brought in. You can bring in nothing larger than 9x10x12.

"If someone does come with a bag that was larger, we ask them to take them back to the car and if they can't do that, we do have some check-in locations here on the grounds," Wesley said.



This is all part of a larger security plan Summerfest officials have been working on since November.

"We all have to be safe -- especially how we`re living nowadays, and what just happened in Turkey is very sad. What happened in Orlando is very sad. We need to prevent that from happening," Janet Li said.

"They just have to up security with all the recent things going on in the world and I support that," Matthew Pennington said.

Metal detectors at Summerfest



Most of those FOX6 News spoke with said the added security is worth a little bit more time standing in line.