Route 66 to draw twice last year's crowd

by Karen E. Culp

SBJ Staff

This year, even more people are coming to Springfield in mid-June to get their kicks.

The numbers have doubled this year for the Route 66 Country Music Festival. Last year's event drew approximately 40,000 people during a three-day period, while this year's is expected to draw 80,000 during four days.

"The ticket sales are already double what they were this time last year," said David Zimmerman, festival manager.

This year's festival is scheduled for June 18-20, with a kick-off party June 17.

The increase in ticket sales can be attributed to increased awareness of the event, and more promotion from other sources, Zimmerman said.

"During the first year, the promoters are the ones who promote the event, but during your second year, you've got thousands of fans out there talking about it and promoting it," said Gordon Garrett, the managing partner of Country Round-Up LLC, the company that owns the festival.

The entertainment budget for the festival has also increased