NIT – Band Fest in Mason City used to be the biggest draw in the area during the final week in May.
Now, Forest City’s Tree Town Fest might be the new king over the weekend.
Officials with that event said Wednesday that “attendance is already over double what it was in 2014.” Tree Town Fest boasts some big name country music acts, such as Blake Shelton and even some 80s rock from Hair Ball. The event begins Thursday and runs through Sunday in Forest City. Event organizers are pleading with people to carpool and come prepared for big crowds.
Meanwhile, Band Fest weekend in Mason City also begins Thursday, peaks on Saturday with the parade through downtown, and ends Monday when the carnival closes later that evening. The event includes the carnival, market, a car show and the parade. It is billed as the “largest free marching band competition in the Midwest”. All activities will take place in the Central Park area.
Now, people only have so much time – and dollars – to spend over the next 4 days.
Which event will be more popular?
One woman said “No band fest here… boring and spendy,” and instead plans to head up to Tree Town Fest – which is not cheap, either. It costs $200 at the gate to gain entry for general admission. Want VIP treatment? $575. Camping costs extra, and parking can cost between $20 and $80. In fact, organizers are warning “Don’t get stuck in the mad rush trying to claim your spot in the general admission area,” and recommend the VIP ticket. Shooter’s in Forest City is holding a “Wrist Band Party” Wednesday night from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm to help alleviate the log jam for general admission ticket holders.
Most of the Band Fest events are free – except food and carnival rides. Probably a lot more family-friendly, too. Free parking and room to roam, with lots of music and vendors to choose from.
Apples. Oranges.
The price of tree town is crazy!
There’s not as many bands as there used to be because of schools combining with other schools in smaller communities. It’s still fun, especially if you have little ones. I’m curious to see how things are with everything being held downtown. It was nice at East Park because the carnival wasn’t directly with the entertainment down in the lower area.
Band Fest has run its course, very few bands, very little excitement
@sad-I fear you are correct. It is sad to see as I marched in it three times back in the day. Hardly anyone goes unless they have a relative in the parade and the few people that do are always disappointed.