I've been to Summerfest every year since I was born (according to my parents), and here are 11 thoughts on the Big Gig.

Five things I wish were still at Summerfest:

1. The Midway -- I love the glitzy eye candy of a carnival. I miss seeing the Ferris wheel at night while sitting on the rocks next to the lake.
2. Sprecher beer -- I always started off a Summerfest evening with a Sprecher.
3. The old fountain -- The new splash pad just doesn't do it for me.
4. Cup stacking – As stated in an earlier blog, it seems cup-stacking is out.
5. John Kruth -- Kruth and his mighty mandolin were a Summerfest staple. (Herbie Hancock at the Miller Oasis was classic, too.)

Six "new" things at Summerfest that I really like:

1. The Marcus Amphitheater ("The Amp") – The old "main stage" on the north end of the grounds blows in comparison.
2. The Harley Stage remodel -- Much more open and inviting; easy to navigate through.
3. The addition of screens at smaller stages -- Great idea for those of us who don't always feel like weaseling our way to the front.
4. Continual growth of kids' activities -- Keep going, Summerfest. National kids' bands would be great.
5. Lakefront Brewery I.P.A. -- I heart this beer and am thrilled it's available this year.
6. Lakeshore State Park -- You can't get to it from inside the Summerfest grounds, but if you access this 17-acre park jutting out into the lake from the entrance next to Discovery World, it creates an interesting perspective of the Big Gig.