There's something beautiful about Riversplash!, the annual Downtown Milwaukee fest that kicks off the greatest events season in America.  It's a bare bones, basically beer festival that's accessible, free and doesn't really pretend to be much more or less. 

For the record, OnMilwaukee.com hosts Riversplash.com, updates the Web site with supplied information and has been a festival sponsor for years.  There you have it, full disclosure before I dive into my suggestions.  

Despite the festival's basic charms, I think its time to shake it up and clean it up a bit.  

So, in the spirit of constant change, creativity and improvement I offer these six suggestions for Riversplash! 2008. Please use the talkback feature to agree, disagree and provide ideas of your own.

Embrace the Milwaukee River
For a festival called Riversplash!, it really doesn't "use" the Milwaukee River enough.  The festival needs more fountains, gondolas, public floating art, lights and a lights parade along the Riverwalk.  Let's add games that use the water too -- like rubber ducky races and other contests (and yes, I know they do an annual paddle boat race).  Use the river, have fun with it and do the same with the Riverwalk (the new art sculptures are a great start).  

Play up the fireworks
The fireworks are spectacular.  Low to the ground/water and launched from the middle of the Milwaukee River near Kilbourn, they light up the buildings, river and streets.  Not a huge suggestion here, just a simple idea for organizers to better promote what I think is one of the best displays around.

Book better music
The stages at Riversplash are basically full of local cover bands.  The new Gospelsplash day was a great addition this year, but I miss the bigger names.  Collaborate with Summerfest, Potawatomi Bingo Casino or even the Pabst to bring in a few national acts.  How about a huge Harley 100th type show on Water Street?  Why not?  

Connect and collaborate with the Miller Lite Ride
More full disclosure here, OMC is a Miller Lite Ride for the Arts sponsor, too.  I miss the after race party at the "Rainbow Summer/Peck Pavilion/Marcus Center" grounds.  The big Sunday ride is still a huge hit in town, but hosting its after party at Summerfest is a mistake.  End the race at the beginning (outside the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts) and keep the people and kids Downtown for the Sunday Kid's and Family Day at Riversplash!  

Clean more
In certain circles; the fest has earned the nickname "Rivertrash."  And while I don't mind the mini-Bourbon Street-like atmosphere on Water Street, many remarked about the over flowing trash cans along the street.  Now, I fully realize that tens of thousands of drinkers generate a lot of trash, but constant cleaning can help prevent some of the garbage that quickly clouds an otherwise clean neighborhood.   

Create a true beer garden area
Finally, let's embrace Old World Third Street's tradition and make it a true beer garden for Riversplash!  Get a sponsor, tent the entire street between State and Juneau and really blow it out old-school German style.  

That's all for now.  See you next year at Riversplash!  Now, on with the rest of your regularly-scheduled Great Milwaukee Summer.