Summerfest 2008 opens today and the taps will flow with Miller Products for 11 days.

Wait a minute...

Make that five days.

After receiving formal approval earlier this month from the U.S. Department of Justice, Miller Brewing Co. will merge with Molson Coors Brewing Co. The new entity, dubbed MillerCoors, begins operations July 1, the midpoint of the festival.

Summerfest president and chief executive officer Don Smiley said last week that the merger will not have a major impact on the Big Gig.

"First of all, this is a joint venture between two companies," Smiley said, referring to Miller and Molson Coors. "Second of all, we have a 15-year contract. I'm not worried about it.

"I've had discussions with upper management at Miller Brewing Company. They've assured us that everything is fine. If anything, it's going to get better. They're going to pay even more attention to what is going on here. I'm not giving it a second thought."

With a relocation of corporate headquarters likely, there has been some concern that MillerCoors will reduce its corporate presence and charitable giving in Milwaukee as a result of the merger, Smiley said the fears were unfounded.

"I want what's good for the city," he said. "If the power structure believes that the corporate headquarters for that entity should be here, I'm all for that. If it's not here, I don't think it affects us one iota. They'll deliver on what they signed up for. I'm not worried about it.

"In fact, Miller called me and said that 'If any members of the media call us, can we have them call you so you can tell them of your experience working through this?' I said 'Sure, that's fine.' I really don't think it's going to have an impact on what we do."