Barefoot Country Music Festival attracts huge crowds amid slow start to summer

In Wildwood, New Jersey, local businesses have faced challenges due to unprecedented rain that has significantly impacted the start of the summer season. Since early May, there have only been two weekends without rain, leading to a reported 50% downturn in sales for local vendors. Crazy J, owner of The Balloon Pop, expressed the frustration felt by many small businesses struggling to attract customers in poor weather conditions. Hotel vacancies have surged compared to last year, leaving many feeling concerned about the economic implications for the tourist-driven area. The situation, however, has heightened hopes for the upcoming Barefoot Country Music Festival, which is anticipated to bring thousands of visitors to Wildwood, assisting in revitalizing the local economy. Scheduled to kick off on a Thursday, the festival will feature prominent country music artists like Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Jelly Roll. This marks the fifth year of the event in Wildwood, where attendees typically contribute about $34 million to the local economy. Business owners see the festival as a critical opportunity to attract new visitors to their establishments. The director of marketing and public relations for the Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement and Development Authority indicated that this festival serves as a vital gateway to the region's summer tourism, expressing optimism that those attending the event would enjoy what the area has to offer and likely return in the future. Festival organizers highlighted that they have had to negotiate hard to book popular acts in the past but now find performers eager to participate, indicating the success of previous years. With about 40,000 expected attendees daily, the festival is poised to transform the atmosphere on the boardwalk, where many vendors are counting on an upturn in foot traffic and sales as a result of the music event. Local sentiments indicate a strong belief that such gatherings can turn the season around, especially after an unusually sluggish start attributed heavily to weather conditions. As Thursday approached, businesses prepared for the influx of patrons, hoping that the excitement and energy of the festival would draw crowds despite the tough conditions experienced earlier in the year. Many in the community are looking forward to a turn in fortune and are optimistic that the festival can not only elevate summer sales but also foster a renewed interest in visiting Wildwood beyond the festival's dates, highlighting how significant annual events can act as a lifeline for local economies.