BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WPVI) -- Thursday was the final day of preparations ahead of Musikfest. The 10 day festival in Bethlehem is expected to draw nearly 1 million people for music, food and fun!
At the Steel Stack Stage, the 6,500 seat main venue, crew members set up scaffolding, put up lights, checked sound equipment and more.
Getting the country's largest annual 10-day music festival up and running is a big job.
"We have 347 musical acts performing over 500 shows at 10 outdoor stages and 5 indoor venues," said Jeffrey Parks, Artsquest president.
Parks says Musikfest wouldn't have happen at all, if it weren't for the volunteers, who put in some 60,000 hours of work each year.
Patrick LeTourneau's parents brought him to his first Musikfest when he was 5 months old. He started volunteering with his family at age 12, made friends here, and never stopped.
"Everybody that works together to put this together likes what they're doing and has fun doing it. It's cool to see it come together and little Bethlehem has this festival where over 1 million people in 10 days will show up," said LeTourneau.
In addition to the music, Musikfest is known for its food. This year will include new additions like gourmet grilled cheese and pad Thai, along with all the traditional fried favorites from 65 different vendors.
The Bethlehem Dairy store has been serving up ice cream, waffles and apple dumplings since Musikfest began.
"You gotta just keep up with the crowds - some nights are really crazy," said Matt Vernon.
A word of advice for those headed to Musikfest - wear comfy shoes, sunscreen and bring an umbrella.
Also, park off-site and take the shuttle plus you can download the iPhone app to help you find where you want to go.
For more on Musikfest: http://6abc.cm/XlqNtv