By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Jun 27, 2019 at 9:01 AM Photography: Lori Fredrich

Slurp up these festival stories packed with vitamins, minerals and everything you need to spike your summer fun. The Summer Festivals Guide is brought to you by Punch Bowl Social. Come on in - it's time we all win at adulting.

Loving the thought of bringing home some Summerfest swag? How about supporting a local or regional artist or small business at the same time?

You can do just that if you shop Summerfest’s Homegrown Collection, a fun assortment of apparel, accessories and gifts created and designed by local and regional artists and small businesses. The entire collection is available at the Summerfest Store located near the mid-gate at the Fest.

We stopped at the shop on opening day to see what 2019 collection included, and we found a slew of fun items, some of which are one-of-a-kind.

Here’s 11 items that caught our eye, many of which were made right here in Wisconsin.  (*items are made in Milwaukee)

1. Orange Pops! Bottle cap magnets*

Spark the memories of Summerfest all year long with these fun magnets handmade from bottle caps ($16).

Orange Pops! is a Milwaukee-based company that features the art of Leslie Phillips. Orange Pop’s! Designs are fun, often whimsical and inspired by bright colors and themes. Phillips work is available online as well as at a variety of local boutiques including The Waxwing (4415 N. Oakland Ave.) and Sparrow Collective (2224 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.).

2. Fioré accessories & clothing

Choose from one-of-a-kind halter tops ($20), leather Summerfest necklaces ($15), whimsical leather bracelets ($32), upcycled fashion flannels ($48) or handmade bohemian bags ($32) ... all made in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Owned and operated by Staci Yates, an artisan whose passion lies in bringing new life to repurposed items, Fioré Arts & Accessories is an eco-friendly boutique based in Green Bay. You can see more of her work at her Etsy shop.

3. Permanent Baggage leather card holders*

Need a convenient spot to stow cash or credit cards? How about all those coffee shop rewards cards you always lose? Keep everything together fashionably with this leather card holder emblazoned with the famous Summerfest smile ($25).

The leather card holders are made for Summerfest by Kamryn Boelk of Permanent Baggage, a MIAD graduate who designs leather goods including handbags, dopp kits, sleep masks, card cases, keychains and jewelry. Some of Boelk’s work is available for purchase online. Visit their shop at 914 E. Hamilton St. on Milwaukee’s East Side and you'll find Permanent Baggage leather goods plus jewelry, accessories, bath & body, home decor, men's, and kids’ items from over 100 makers.

4. Tandem for Two boxed notecards

Share the Summerfest experience with these bucket list note cards that are sure to remind you of the beer you drank, the brats you ate and the fun you had during the 11-day music festival ($12).

Tandem for Two is a Michigan-based company specializing in handmade home goods with a focus on celebrating "where we live and where life takes us." See more of their designs at tandemfortwo.com.

5. Giltee "Fest" tee*

You can "Smile On" at every music festival you attend this summer in this soft Giltee tee, designed and printed in Wauwatosa ($25).

Giltee is a Wauwatosa-based apparel design and printing company operated by Adam and Lisa Gilson. Their designs are printed with eco-friendly water-based inks on high quality, lightweight, ultra soft t-shirts, tanks and hoodies. Giltee designs are available in a variety of local shops as well as online

6. Create Hope Cuffs leather wrap bracelets

These attractive leather wrap bracelets will not only remind you to "Smile On," but you can feel good about the fact that some of your money is going to support a good cause ($45)

Create Hope Cuffs’ is a Minnesota-based company founded by Danielle Brower. Bracelets purchased support the work of Children's HopeChest, an orphan-advocacy organization. 

7. SilverWear by Misty rings

These sterling silver statement rings are made from upcycled vintage silverware and stamped with the trademark Summerfest smile ($30).

Based in De Pere, Misty Nagan of SilverWear is a third generation jewelry designer who transforms vintage silverware into wearable pieces of art. You can check out more of her designs online in her Etsy shop

8. Wiskullsin tee*

Make no bones about it, you’ll leave an impression with this edgy tee from Milwaukee-based Wiskullsin ($25).

Founded by Joey Wisniewski, Wiskullsin specializes in unique, edgy designs for folks who want to retain their individuality while sporting their Wisconsin pride.
Find more designs at wiskullsin.com.

9. Second Nature Summerfest wooden wall sign

This one-of-a-kind sign gets its character from reclaimed wood and its message from the memories made with friends and loved ones at the World’s Largest Music Festival ($25).

Second Nature by Hand is a family-owned company in Viroqua. Founded by David and Jennifer Tubbin, they offer a wide range of hand-designed products from reclaimed steel and wood wall art to hand-sewn stationary, kitchen towels and apparel. See more at secondnaturebyhand.com.

10. James Steeno Gallery Summerfest Coloring Book*

This unique coloring book designed by Milwaukee artist James Steeno will provide hours of artistic enjoyment for aspiring artists of all ages ($20).

Known for his watercolor illustrations inspired by the ever changing cityscapes and skylines around Wisconsin, James Steeno’s work takes the form of prints, notecards, maps and more. Learn more at jamessteeno.com.

11. Wisconsin Candle Co. candles

Light up your life for months to come with these hand-poured soy candles emblazoned with the Summerfest logo. Available in scents like "Lakefront" and "Fresh Cut Grass" ($25).

Wisconsin Candle Co. specializes in hand-poured 100% natural soy candles with cotton wicks and zero additives, dyes or petroleum by-products. You can find the candles online or at the company's shop at 119 W. Main St. in Waunakee.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.