Last week, the OnMilwaukee.com editorial staff went down to Summerfest with a crisp, company-issued $20 bill, and tried to find something ridiculous and fun to buy. After we returned with our baubles, we each wrote about our purchase for an article.

I had my caricature done -- something I would never do if I were footing the bill -- but originally I wanted to spend my Jackson on a piece of jewelry that I had seen for sale at previous Summerfests.

I really wanted to find the nose ring that connects via thin silver chain to your earring. I always thought it was completely ridiculous, but for the sake of the assignment, I thought it would fit perfectly into the theme. Sadly, I could not find this.

Every few years, there's a new ear gimmick -- remember the ear cuff a few years ago? -- and yesterday, while I was at Summerfest with my kids, I found new earring gadgets that I truly like.

This year (and maybe last?), the big thing in festival ear wear is wooden earrings that appear like you have large holes -- called "gauges" -- in your ears. These earrings, called "wooden split expanders," are made by Coco Loco Jewelry, retail for about $20-30, and come in a variety of styles. They are made from a variety of woods, and some are even made from coconuts, hence the name.

Years ago, I started the process to stretch out the holes in my ears and wore earrings called "flesh tunnels," but after having kids, I decided I didn't want anything on my body stretched out and I took them out.

Now, however, I can have the appearance of gauged ears without actually going through the pain or process. Thanks, Summerfest, for continuously providing us with the latest in trendy ear adornments.