Cochise County, Arizona (KGUN) — Del Thola’s vision for a new local festival has come to fruition after months of planning. The Cochise Country Music Festival kicked off in Benson on Friday.

Country music fans flocked to 4EVR Ranch for an afternoon filled with music, food and dancing.

The first day of the three-day event drew people from across the state and beyond.

“I think it’s a laid-back environment. Music festivals, the way country music festivals used to be. And I think that’s what people really want,” said Thola, who owns 4EVR Ranch. increase.

Joe Nichols, Sawyer Brown and Clay Walker are among the headliners drawing crowds to this year’s festival.

Nicholls will hit the stage on Friday night to wrap up the first day of the event.

Tucson residents Bruce and Doreen Tilford were thrilled to see one of Doreen’s favorite singers perform at a country music festival in Southern Arizona on Sunday.

“It’s a birthday present for my wife.

Thola expects up to 3,000 people to pass through the gates by the end of Friday, most of them from outside Cochise County.

He expects Saturday and Sunday to be more popular.

“I want to do it again. Now I know what I’m doing, or at least something like that.

As well as listening to music, attendees can shop from local vendors. For out-of-town guests, nearby camper sites are available.