Something I have learned to understand about the awesomeness of Southwestern Wisconsin is that during the summer people want to rock. The weather is fantastic, the people are hilarious, and the booze flows without end. Two fantastic examples that I attended this past weekend were the Beloit Riverfest and the Maestri Pig Roast in Spring Green, Wis. Now, while I know these events weren't exactly Madison or Dane County based, I think something great about where I live in Madison is that I can go a short distance and find myself amidst a cornucopia of festivals, carnivals, music shows and cocktails. It's part of what makes Madison rad. Accessibility, bitches.

On Friday night me and some of mine made the little-more-than-an-hour trek to Beloit, Wis. for their annual Riverfest - a long-weekend of debauchery consisting of classic-rock acts, carnival rides, and the most delicious corn dogs I have ever had in life. We went to experience the fantastic stylings of Blue Oyster Cult and Cheap Trick, and...well...o-kay...we got there while BOC was playing, and, um, we had to get drinks before we went to the stage. And after we got a drink, we decided that, actually, BOC sort of sucked. So then we just waited until Cheap Trick came on. And THEY were pretty awesome. O-kay. Again, while we did pay more attention during their performance, I must admit I felt my money's worth came more from the people-watching, or, to be more specific, the completely-wasted-people-watching. This included, but was not limited to: a woman in an overall-minidress trying to smoke a small flashlight and a guy who looked like a skinny version of ZZ Top screaming at Cheap Trick to "Give me that hat! Say hi to your maker!". Also spotted, a girl no less than seven on her dad's shoulders, rocking out hardcore and doing the 'too-much-rock-for-one-hand' insignia. Radical.

I think that eating and drinking at any sort of event like this is pretty much a ripoff, but I will say this for Riverfest: with 12 ounce of Coors for $2.75 it is not too bad beerwise. And for me and my friend - who indulged in the Pina Coladas that for $12.00 came with a lei, a free cup to take home, and a refill - I feel like I could have done worse. And by the end of the night, as I was chomping down my $4.00 mega-corndog, I was feeling like a rockstar myself.

Then, Saturday night, not to be outdone by Beloit, Spring Green welcomed us with open arms to the Maestri 14th Annual Pig Roast, an anniversary party for Ma and Pa Maestri on their beautiful land in the middle of Spring Green farmland. With Madison/Spring Green band Thieves on Holiday playing (and, just an FYI, they rule. And another: they are playing this Thursday, July 19 at The Annex) as well as other local acts, and delicious Furthermore Beer on tap for FREE, I was almost blind with happiness (except for having to use the outhouse - that was a minor bummer). The Pig Roast was a little scary, because I, not unlike many others, will eat meat, but prefer not to have anything to do with knowing where it came from (and being a former vegetarian, my heart strings reminded me of this hypocrisy).

We arrived around 7 p.m., and the rockin' was already in full swing and continued to swing as we left around 10 the next morning. Those Maestri's know how to party. For reals. As a side note: if you are ever in or around Spring Green, you should 1. Stay at the Bel Aire Motel on HWY 14 in Mazomanie. 2. Eat at the Luckenbooth restaurant on 14, behind the CITGO. These places are adorable, inexpensive, and with regard to the Luckenbooth, owned by an adorable Scottish couple who make a rad Scotsman's Breakfast. Word up.

So, needless to say, the summer of 1,000 awesome things around Wisconsin continues. This weekend Dane County Fair will prove to be a place where I can again listen to some mediocre music while laughing at people, and next weekend will present the Rock County 4H Fair in Janesville, where, dare I say, I will be able to finally see Foreigner. Oh, I'm sorry, did you pay $60.00 at Summerfest? I'll be paying $8.00 AND be able to see prize beef. Don't hate. Participate.