APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As preparations for downtown Appleton’s Mile of Music heat up — so has the summer sun. Temperatures are forecast for the upper 80s and into the 90s for Saturday.
The festival is taking necessary precautions to keep the musicians and music lovers cool and hydrated.
“We do have water available at our main stages and all of the other individually operated venues will have water available too,” said Kim Mauthe, who works with the Mile of Music team. “Some venues also have misters available. I know McFleshman’s has misters available in their beer garden.”
They also have precautions in place for other changes in the weather.
“We are looking at a little bit of rain potentially on Thursday night, so we are prepared for that and we will be making weather statements as needed,” Mauthe said.
Local businesses like Cleo’s, along College Avenue, have been making sure everything is ready for the crowds. Cleo’s manager Alicia Andrews says it’s been a lot of work.
“I start prepping weeks in advance. I’ve got about four pages of crazy notes in my notebook,” Andrews said.
She also recommends stopping by to get a break from the heat.
“We’re going to be putting out a couple of water stations, the aqua is always free,” she joked. “We’ve got some bottles of water in the cooler. I’m pretty sure I went to the store and bought about 14 gallon jugs of water for the weekend.”
And Mauthe wants to remind attendees that the festival is a marathon, not a sprint, and to take it easy.
“I think reminding folks to hydrate with water, beer is not hydrating, so, it’s a very important point as people are navigating the Mile,” She said.
And Cleo’s says it’s important for visitors to be patient with businesses facing heavy crowds.
“It’s crazy busy for everyone everywhere, stay hydrated, stay cool, get a little shade, get a little A/C,”
Then enjoy the music through Sunday.
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