The Oneida County Sheriff's Office providing security at Hodag. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
RHINELANDER, WI (WSAU) — The Northwood’s biggest party begins Thursday.
The Hodag Country Music Festival begins with performances by Brett Westgrove, Neil McCoy, and Ashley McBride on the main stage. It’s an event that never gets old for the spectators and those behind the scenes, including WDEZ’s Bryan Scott who has been around the event for over 10 years.
“It’s different from any other country music festival that I’ve been to because it is a family reunion. Everybody is just so nice and there is no drama or anything like that you sometimes have with the bigger festivals. It really is the biggest and best party coming to Northern Wisconsin.”
Scott credits the festival’s family ownership structure with keeping the atmosphere small, even as the event has grown. “They never charge extra for better seating. There’s no VIP seating, everyone has an equal shot at a great view.”
Elements of the festival began earlier this week with pavilion shows and Wednesday’s chair line, which allowed campers to claim their spot on the lawn in front of the main stage. Jenna Jane kicks off the mainstage acts at 4:30 PM on Thursday.
The music continues Friday with Chase Rice and Bailey Zimmerman. For the complete four-day lineup, click here.
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