Smoky skies start off 2nd week of Summerfest

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Prolonged smoke in the air from Canadian wildfires became an unwelcome headliner for the second week of Summerfest.

With an air quality advisory extended until Friday, June 30 at noon, Thursday attendees pushed through the haze to see their favorite bands.

Despite the conditions, plenty of fans were lined up at the gates Thursday at noon.

Several attendees chose to wear face masks to protect themselves from the smoke.

"It's like, literally killing me, and I did not expect to be wearing a face mask out here," said Kisha Lestagez, an attendee visiting from Atlanta. "I have asthma. Last night it really hit me. I can feel it in my chest, it's real dry."

The blanket of grey across the city altered the view from the festival's famous SkyGlider.

"It's just blurry and like, you can't see far," said attendee, Elle Warnecke.

"Not a usual beautiful summer day in Milwaukee. But still, Summerfest," said Elle's dad, Mike.

For some attendees, the weather wasn't disappointing -- it was just different.

"It's definitely a strange experience to have this haze, but it adds to experience and the memories," said Sarah Jackinchuck, visiting from Michigan.

"It might get a little rough and you start coughing, but I think it's going to be okay," said attendee, Mandy Langer.

With Dave Matthews Band, Vance Joy, and other big artists taking the stages Thursday, the smoke didn't keep fans away.

"It's still a good time out here for sure," Lestagez said.