Businesses Prepare For Country Fever

Thursday, June 7th 2007, 10:03 am

By: News On 6

One of the largest outdoor concert events of the year is underway Thursday in Pryor. Country Fever runs through Sunday; bringing in big name country stars, thousands of fans and a lot of excitement to Mayes County. Lots of fans are beginning to show up at Country Fever just north of Pryor. News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports the stage is set for a big weekend of fun and for area businesses to cash in.

At the Pryor T Conoco, they're getting ready for what has become the stores busiest weekend of the year. It will be double staffed during the Country Fever Music Festival.

"Overstocked everything, Gatorade, lots of cold drinks, plenty of beer, plenty of ice, sunblock, whatever you need we've got it," said Conoco employee Jacque Morris.

Business will be up 30 to 40% this weekend, with the thousands of country music fans in Pryor. It's the same all over town. Hotels are all booked. Retail stores are ready. Lots of businesses in Pryor also have the fever. Mayor Jimmy Trammel loves it.

"When they come here, they go to the restaurants, and they go to the convenience stores and buy all of their necessities here in town," said Trammel.

Trammel says each large event at the festival site generates between $200,000 and $250,000 in sales tax revenue. With an estimated 50,000 or more people attending Country Fever, it translates into a big windfall for the area economy.

Not only will the area be packed with music fans for Country Fever, this summerâ€™s Rocklahoma event in Pryor is expected to be even bigger, drawing up to 100,000 and people from nearly every single continent.

And when those fans come to town, that will also be music to the ears of the city and business owners.

"About $200 a day, that's what they spend on the average, 50,000 people, $200 a day,â€ Trammel said. â€œThat's a ton of money. Keep coming. Keep coming."

Country Fever runs through Sunday night. You can get a one day or four day pass.
Some of the performers are Oklahomans Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton and Joe Diffie.

Watch the video: Country Fever Underway

For more information about Country Fever, visit www.countryfeverfest.com.

For more information about Rocklahoma, visit www.rockfeverfest.com.

Related story:

06/06/07 Country Fever Preparations Underway