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How WE Fest became the biggest Detroit Lakes party that almost never was
The country festival grew into a Midwest draw after Alabama signed on, and by 1992 it was attracting more than 100,000 people, organizers said.
- WE Fest celebrates its 43rd year this week at the Soo Pass Ranch near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, kicking off Wednesday, August 5, with headliners Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett, and Brooks & Dunn.
- Promoter Jeff Krueger originally planned to establish the festival in River Falls, Wisconsin, but the River Falls Township Board denied the permit, prompting the move to welcoming Detroit Lakes in Becker County, explained longtime co-owner Chyrll Sparks.
- Attendee Mary Madson recalled purchasing a ticket for the 1983 inaugural festival after seeing a Hawley newspaper advertisement, with crowds gathering to see Alabama despite concerns about the event's novelty north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
- Current owner-producer Matt Mithun prioritized restoring the festival's personal touch following ownership changes involving Krueger and Townsquare Media, helping the event consistently sell out ticket and campground packages.
- Sparks, a "true trailblazer and beloved member of the WE Fest family," passed away one year ago this month after 25 years with the festival, though her legacy endures as crowds continue to exceed 100,000 annually.
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left0Leaning Right5Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center, 50% Right
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
50% Right
C 50%
R 50%
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