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The Fall Drive is on! See the new gear and become a member.

Summerfest begins the battle for the Fest Fan of the Past 55

A collage of vintage photos showing people at a summer festival wearing clothes from different decades.
Summerfest / Facebook

There are many competitive aspects to attending Summerfest. How many bands can you see in one day? Can you and your friends stack your empties taller than the table next to you? How many times can I “sample” Saz’s Sampler Platter in one day?

The World’s Largest Music Festival decided to add a more formal competition this year as it seeks to name the Fest Fan of the Past 55. If we use an estimate of 800,000 people attending each of Summerfest’s previous 53 installments (the “55” in this competition refers to years), that’s 42.4 million potential entrants. But don’t be deterred. I like your chances.

All you need to do is go to this webpage through March 31 and share your Summerfest story. It doesn’t matter if you went for the first time last year, have been to every single one or just have a standout memory involving a concert or large amount of fried cheese. If it’s a good story, the festival wants to hear it.

Then, on April 11, Milwaukee World Festival Inc. will reveal 10 finalists, with a winner chosen based on votes from fans online and a group of celebrity judges. That panel includes Guyton Entertainment Executive and Rhythm Kings leader Marcell Guyton; WMIL’s Ridder, Scott & Shannen; FOX6 anchor Mary Stoker Smith; and Visit Milwaukee president and CEO Peggy Williams-Smith.

Besides recognition and adulation, the top vote-getter will receive the following prize package:

  • On-site private party for 100 held during Summerfest 2023 that includes a $2,000 food-and-beverage credit and 100 general admission tickets
  • Two UScellular® Power Passes good for admission all nine days of the festival
  • Two tickets to any show at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater during Summerfest 2023
  • One $100 Summerfest gift card
  • One autographed Summerfest memorabilia item

Again, the contest is open to entries right now through March 31 at the Fest Fan of the Past 55 webpage on the Summerfest website. Good luck.