Country Fest organizer expecting record crowds
CADOTT — Brian Griffin showed off a hat that’s been autographed by Kenny Chesney, Neal McCoy, Phil Vassar, Craig Morgan and many others. Griffin has attended Country Fest near Cadott for the past 19 years, and he has gotten many of the top acts to sign. He has another hat he’s retired, just because there is no room left on it for new autographs.
“We’ll bring it up to the stage and they’ll sign it,” he said.
Country Fest kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday with headliners Jake Owen, Eric Church and Keith Urban. Brian and Angie Griffin of Stillwater, Minn., said they’ve tried other country music festivals but say there are a lot of positives about Country Fest.
“The thing that sets Country Fest apart is this place is run like a well-oiled machine,” Brian Griffin said. “It’s the only place that really caters to everyone.”
For instance, having a photo line allows fans to get close and take a picture of their favorite acts, he said.
The Griffins arrived on Tuesday. He said their group will include about 25 people by the time everyone arrives. They have seen all the headliners before; Brian prefers Eric Church, while Angie likes Jake Owen.
“He runs around stage barefoot,” she said. “That’s my kind of guy.”
The Griffins agreed they are excited to see Deana Carter, who they haven’t seen before.
“To hear Deana Carter come out and sing ‘Strawberry Wine’ is going to be great,” he said.
Jason Hilger of Antigo has been coming to Country Fest for four years. He arrived on Wednesday and was setting up his campsite.
“We’re most excited to see Keith Urban because we haven’t seen him before, and he’s awesome,” Hilger said.
Hilger said they haven’t missed a show in four years and like their VIP seats close to the stage.
“We love the people here; friendly people, and it’s walking distance,” Hilger said.
Denny Hoey came from his home near Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada, and he said it’s his 23rd year.
“It’s probably one of the best we’ve been to,” Hoey said. “I really enjoy the headliners, and they have three in a row that are really big.”
Big crowds coming
Chippewa Valley Music Festival general manager Wade Asher said the line of vehicles began showing up at the Country Fest grounds early this year. By the end of Sunday, there were 45% more patrons on the grounds than any prior year, Asher said.
“They are piling in already,” Asher said with a laugh.
He said based on early ticket sales and camping reservations, this will be a record-setting year.
“By far, it is the biggest Country Fest we’ve ever had here, for sure,” Asher said. “It’s a great lineup. The headliners are amazing. And the undercards acts, it really worked out well. It feels like the first big party of the summer.”
Country Fest has about 7,500 camping sites. In a typical year, they have about 6,000 reservations. However, Asher said they had already topped 7,000 reservations this year.
Weather is looking promising, as temperatures are expected to peak in the upper 70s, with a potential of rain on Friday.
“Temperatures look really good,” Asher said. “We are due for a good week.”
Owen last played at the festival in 2018, while Church was last here in 2017 and Urban’s most recent show was in 2015. More than 40 bands will play this weekend.
? Scheduled for tonight: Jake Owen, Scotty McCreery, Hailey Whitters, Chayce Beckham, Lorrie Morgan, George Birge, Kassi Ashton, Dylan Schneider and more.
? Scheduled for Friday: Keith Urban, Warren Zeiders, Cooper Alan, Deana Carter, Neon Union, Dalton Dover, Redferrin, Shaylen and more.
? Scheduled Saturday: Eric Church, Ashley McBryde, Conner Smith, Morgan Evans, Shane Profitt, Dillon Carmichael, The Castellows, Logan Crosby and more.
The Country Fest grounds are located at 24447 Highway S. in Cadott. To learn more, visit countryfest.com.