DETROIT LAKES — As the sun began to set over Soo Pass Ranch on Thursday, Sammy Kershaw, Treaty Oak Revival and Ashley McBryde took the main stage one after another, warming up the crowd ahead of Hardy’s headlining performance after dark.

Between sets, music continued on smaller stages scattered throughout the festival grounds. Even during transitions, the energy remained high. Groups of friends danced in the grass, couples swayed to acoustic sets and fans made their way throughout the grounds, many wearing their traditional WE Fest outfits or showcasing a new pair of boots.

When Bayker Blankenship took the WE Fest main stage Thursday afternoon, the sun was beating down and Soo Pass Ranch steadily filled with concertgoers — from softball teams to first-timers to longtime attendees.

Amon

See Full Page