TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The second annual Cochise Country Music Festival opened is gates Friday.
Despite starting off with hail, for its second year the festival kicked off its three-day weekend, shining a spotlight on the Benson area.
“It’s really awesome, we’ve got a lot of advertising in key areas,” said Anthony Gasson, co-owner of Buzz Dawgs
Local businesses like Gasson’s were given the opportunity to grow their reach thanks to the festival, and attendees appreciated it.
“I think it’s awesome to bring in their own vendors from local areas, so that they can be involved,” said Selene Jones, a festival attendee.
The festival saw around a 25% increase in attendance from last year, and the goal is to continue bringing in more vendors and artists and grow each year.
“I want to make this the nicest place, in Arizona for sure, but I know in Cochise County,” said Del Thola, owner of the 4EVR Ranch venue and producer of the festival.
“I want to just add stuff every year, you know so we can keep growing,” he said.
The festival’s growth has certainly benefitted the city of Benson.
“We got people coming to the restaurants, the hotels are booked,” Thola said. “So I know it’s making an impact on Benson for sure and I know Cochise County as well.”
While the campgrounds are almost filled at the 4-EVR Ranch, there are still tickets available for Saturday and Sunday, and everyone is invited to join in on the fun.
The bands start playing at 1 p.m. each day and the show ends around 11 p.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. Sunday.
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