Even months out from the festival, big things are cooking at Summerfest – literally, as the Big Gig announced today that Johnsonville has joined as a new sponsor. 

The multi-year sponsorship deal makes Johnsonville the official sausage, hot dog and sausage stick of the Big Gig – complete with a variety of the company's products being available in Henry Maier Festival Park during the festival as well as at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater during additional concerts hosted throughout the year. The new sponsorship agreement also includes Johnsonville Summerville, a rebranded and revamped stage space moving into the former Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden area on the north end of the grounds. 

"As one of Wisconsin's family-owned legacy companies, we are thrilled to have Johnsonville join our roster of sponsors at Summerfest as we celebrate our 55th anniversary," said Don Smiley, CEO of Milwaukee World Festival Inc., in a release. "This new partnership celebrates hometown pride and provides the opportunity to showcase the Johnsonville brand and products during the festival."

"The Johnsonville founders started their family in Milwaukee, with Ralph (Stayer) being born here. Even today, with the current family owners living in the greater Milwaukee area, our connection and involvement here have always been priorities to the family and the business," said Shelly Stayer, Johnsonville owner and board chair, in the release. "We're no strangers to partnering with major Wisconsin sporting and entertainment organizations, so wherever the fun takes place, Johnsonville enjoys being a part of that and adding to that fun."

The newly rebranded Johnsonville Summerville stage area is expected to be a more relaxed space on the grounds, with a patio vibe complete with grilling and cooking demos, yard games like cornhole, a Johnsonville marketplace, sausage samples and more. As for the stage itself, the musical focus is projected to stay similar to the approach at the former Klement's Sausage & Beer Garden, emphasizing Wisconsin-based musicians and acts that compliment the space's more intimate backyard aesthetic. 

The new Summerville stage and area is expected to be ready for the upcoming 2023 Summerfest, with renderings still to come on the new space.

Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee for more Big Gig updates as the world's largest music festival approaches. (Just 132 more days!)