Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – Music fests are a staple of the Lehigh Valley and have been attracting crowds for 39 years.
The streets were filled with veteran festers roaming with mugs of yesteryear, familiar vendors and performers who hit the stage every year.
But believe it or not, that’s not the case for everyone.
“First time ever!” said Bradley Krysanitz of South Carolina.
Chris Kondravy, singer and drummer of My Brother Below, said, “This is the first time we’ve played at Musikfest.”
“This is my first year,” said Pamela Krisanitz, also of South Carolina.
According to Charisse McGill, owner of French Toast Bites, “This is our first time selling at Musikfest.”
Festival-goers are looking forward to all that the event has to offer, whether it’s enjoying bands, eating corn from Aw Shucks, or filling mugs until sunset.
So what makes these newbies want to join the fun?
“This is one of the largest music festivals in the United States,” said Kondravy.
“It was voted like the number one music festival in the country,” McGill said.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to says this is what we have to do,” said Chrisanitz.
Collective Curiosity owner Vanessa Link said: “I had a good time.”
Now, first-timers, whether vendors or visitors, say the event lived up to the hype.