MILWAUKEE — Attending Summerfest is a tradition for friends Jeff Weber and Ben Miller.

“I’ve been coming out here since 1977,” said Weber. “My parents brought me out of here the very first year in 1968 and 1969.”

Weber said those are some of his fondest memories.

“I remember the muddy grounds, straw and all of the bands that used to be here,” said Weber. “My parents brought me to see Sly and the Family Stone way back when. It was awesome.”

He loves the atmosphere of the festival.

“I never come with an agenda,” said Weber. “People always ask me who I’m here to see and I say yes because I just walk around and listen to different bands, get different foods, drink the beer and take in the people.” 

Same goes for Miller.

“I don’t like to make a plan,” said Miller. “I’m going to be here every Thursday. Friends come down. I’ll be here too. There are a few bands I want to see. I play it by ear.”

Summerfest is an event they look forward to each year.

“I’ve known ben since we were eight years old and we’ve been coming here together all of these years,” said Weber. “We meet with other friends. We show up every opening day. It’s on our calendar.”