Boots in the Park celebrates decade of live country music in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Boots in the Park celebrated 10 years of bringing live country music to the city, drawing thousands of attendees to Woodward Park multiple times each year.

The event features live music, local food vendors, dancing and an outdoor atmosphere that has helped make it a recurring attraction.

"So it's one big celebration out here at Woodward Park, we've got Jon Pardi. Cole Wessel, Jackson Dean, we have art as you can see behind me, food, beverages. It's gonna be one big party this afternoon," said Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events, the company behind the festival.

According to organizers, this year's event marks a significant moment in the festival's growth.

What began a decade ago as a much smaller gathering has expanded into a large-scale production.

"It's such a big deal and we have been reflecting on it all week. We started in the amphitheater 10 years ago, April 7th to be exact, with about 2,600 people, and tonight we are sold out with over 15,000 people," Thacher said.

The sold-out crowd is also boosting the local economy.

Local food vendors and artisans are among those benefiting from the large turnout, using the event to sell their products to thousands of attendees.

For many, the music and atmosphere are what keep them coming back year after year.

"We love the music, we love the artists and it is just welcoming home to us... we just love country music," said Chris and Audrey, who have attended Boots in the Park before.

While the event can bring increased traffic and loud music to nearby neighborhoods, organizers say they work closely with the City of Fresno to ensure the festival runs smoothly.

"We are just so grateful that Fresno has really embraced Boots in the Park. We do it in many different cities but we really consider Fresno home for Boots in the Park. I will tell you it's great to come back home today and be here," Thacher said.

Boots in the Park will host their next event in the fall. Organizers say today's weather was definitely in favor of some outdoor music.

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