Despite opening day rain, Summerfest attendance hit 831,769 this year

Despite a rainstorm that swept through Milwaukee on opening day, Summerfest attendance hit 831,769 people this year, according to results released Thursday by Milwaukee World Festival Inc.

The attendance figure represented a 3.4% boost from 2016.

Nearly 14% of this year's spectators — 115,935 people — entered the grounds through free daily admission promotion offers.

There were 98,180 trips on the Skyglider and 19,170 swings taken at a hole-in-one contest. But nobody was able to record an ace.

Don Smiley, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. President and CEO, thanked fans, sponsors, volunteers and staff and said: “Looking ahead, we will continue to make significant improvements ensuring a world-class fan experience for all visiting Summerfest, the ethnic festivals, and all events at Henry Maier Festival Park."