Pryor gearing up for this year's County Fever Fest

The Wild, Wild Weather show storms into Pryor Tuesday. The show is set for 7 PM at the high school gym. The mad science pre-show starts at 6:30 PM. <br/><br/>Another fun event draws thousands of people

Monday, March 28th 2005, 10:37 am

By: News On 6

The Wild, Wild Weather show storms into Pryor Tuesday. The show is set for 7 PM at the high school gym. The mad science pre-show starts at 6:30 PM.

Another fun event draws thousands of people each year to Pryor. It's the Country Fever Music Festival. News on 6 anchor Craig Day tells us what will be new for 2005.

Nearly three months away from Country Fever 2005 and work is already underway at the festival site. In June, music fans will pack the 400 acre site to watch 25 country music acts. Mark Finnerty with the Country Fever Music Festival: "Well, I think most people are amazed when they come out here to see what we do have. It's not just a flatbed truck in a field where you throw a few speakers on."

It's much more than only a few speakers. The event started in 2003 and is growing in popularity, climbing from 33,000 fans its first year to 52,000 fans last year. "This is truly a first class festival site."

New this year, the Pryor Creek Music Festival has doubled seating and improved drainage. Not only is the festival great for thousands and thousands of country music fans, it's also great exposure for the community. When many people come to the festival, it may be their first visit to Pryor. It's hoped it isn't their last.

Barbara Hawkins with the Pryor Chamber says many festival goers do return to visit other area attractions. "We're particularly excited because we really believe in the tourism aspect of Northeast Oklahoma to begin with and this is just one more piece that we can add."

It's hoped the festival will eventually draw 100,000 fans, people who leave happy with the venue, the entertainment and four days of fun. Also this year, Country Fever will have fireworks every night, and kids under 12 get in free with parents paid tickets.

For ticket information and to find out more about the performers, you can go to their web site. The festival is June 9th through the 12th.