EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – As summer continues, there’s one thing many say they look forward to. That’s the continuing concerts and festivals in the area.
This week, thousands attending the
Blue Ox Music Festival
, bringing bluegrass lovers from near and far out to the campsite.
Whether it was a first timer or a seven year attendee, everyone attending the festival had something in common. That was their love for music, and how happy the event makes them year after year.
That feeling remains, rain or shine.
Some returning fans said “It’s been rain and shine, almost every year actually.”
Those from Eau Claire and beyond, continuing to jam out.
Steve Maglior, a seventh year attendee, explained why he keeps coming back.
“It’s all about the music, yes. I’m a bluegrass fanatic, so I’ll travel a lot further than I travel to get here to go see blue grass.” he said “And this crowd is hard to beat. Everyone’s here to have a good time.”
Saying the festival grounds have no room for anything but a good time. So no matter how far people travel, those attending say the festival specifically brings something new.
Emily Smith, a fourth year attendee, said what that is.
“This is one of my favorite bluegrass festivals. I’ve been to a handful of them in multiple different states, and there’s something about Blue Ox and Eau Claire that just feels really intimate.” she said.
Highlighting that Eau Claire never fails to have good vibes.
Sam North said it was her first time attending. “The vibes here are great, there’s nothing but joy… It’s kind of a sense of community, and peace.”
Even giving a community for artists like Nate Sipe, a member of Pert Near Sandstone. The band also hosts the festival.
“Now that for us includes the artists from around the country. The local artists from our region, but also their friends and family that come out to support them. It’s really the music community here from the greater Midwest that we try to build.” he said.
Event organizers for the Blue Ox say they hope to give everyone attending a sense of being one with the community. And of course, continuing to share their love for their favorite artists, and new ones, each year.
