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WE Fest Turns 40!

The year was 1983 when history was born and the first ever WE FEST premiered at the Soo Pass Ranch. The headliners were Tammy Wynette, Alabama and Merle Haggard and hoards of music lovers rushed to Detroit Lakes, MN for a weekend of amazing music amongst the scenic views of the ranch.
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I had an opportunity to speak with Matt Mithun the owner of WE FEST and the Soo Pass Ranch. Matt’s family owned the land when the first WE FEST took place. He has fond memories of going down with his Dad as a child during the festival and recalls some of his favorite memories including seeing Dolly Parton in 1990, Willie Nelson in 1997 and Jamey Johnson opening for Chris Stapleton in 2019.
When talking with Matt, he mentioned that “Something special about WE FEST is that no matter what your musical taste is, you will be amazed by this experience.” He says he thinks it is the coolest thing riding his bike around the campgrounds and hearing every genre being played by campers. 
 
As the years have gone by, there have been a number of changes and Matt and his team is excited to be running WE FEST after it switched hands a few times. Over the last few years they are excited about the new stage and the addition of the pit. The Pit Pass allows concert goers to stand right up front. This section is sunken down a bit so it doesn’t block any seats. Also new to WE FEST this year is adding The Bacardi Country Club. This membership can be purchased by anyone with a ticket so whether you have VIP tickets or G/A you can get the red carpet experience of a private bar, snacks, swag and special performances in-between main stage acts including John Morgan, Ashland CraftBen BurgessCasey MuessigmannAshley Cooke and Few Miles South.
Matt is particularly proud of the relationship and impact WE FEST has made in the Detroit Lakes area from the economic effects to area businesses and hotels to utilizing local vendors at the event. It creates a really cool vibe in lakes country during the festival and he is very thankful for the city being so welcoming and accommodating.
 
Booking the musical acts usually starts 1 ½ years out and starts with the headliners. This year they are excited to have one of the biggest lineups in the festivals history including Morgan WallenBrad Paisley and Kane Brown with other appearances from Jo Dee MessinaGabby BarrettChase RiceBrothers OsborneBailey Zimmerman and Ashland CraftCowboy Troy will be back to emcee.
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See you at the ranch, August 3-5 in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Written by Jenny Johnson

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