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Summerfest fans brave weather on opening night

Rain hampers some shows, cancels fireworks
Posted at 4:54 AM, Jun 29, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-29 07:57:20-04

Summerfest workers monitored rainy weather conditions closely on the first night of the Big Gig Wednesday, but hardy fans made it work.

The Big Bang fireworks were canceled Wednesday, and a couple of the stages stopped their shows for a short period of time due to rain and lightning.

At one point a warning about the storms was broadcast across the speakers, but overall, everything went off without a hitch.

The weather didn’t keep fans away from Summerfest. Some brought rain gear, but others didn’t, and still had fun dancing in the rain.

“I wasn’t going to miss Summerfest,” said Pat Lean, a Milwaukee native who’s never missed the festival. “I’m a Wisconsinite. I can go out in anything. Weather doesn’t stop me.”

SUMMERFEST CHEAT SHEET

Many sought refuge under tents, which worked in favor of the bars and vendors.

“They come right in,” says Kari Feingold, a clothing vendor at the festival. “They want to be dry, so the ten is perfect. Then they shop. They’re cold and wet, so it’s perfect that I offer sweatshirts, t-shirts and hats.”

The fireworks will be held on Thursday night, weather permitting.