The Country Thunder Music Festival in Kenosha County begins Thursday, even after recent floods over the last week damaged homes and closed streets and highways.
Organizers tell TODAYS TMJ4 there were never any second thoughts about changing the dates of the festival, and they hope the music can help the area heal.
Gerry Krochak with Country Thunder hopes a little fun this weekend will help with spirit and rebuilding efforts.
"As they say the show must go on, our hearts goes out to those folks,” Krochak said.
The floods are now behind the people of Kenosha County but the damage has already been done.
"When times are good people need music, when times are tough they really need music. The joy of music is the way it brings people together,” Krochak said.
Crews are currently prepping for a varied mix and colorful crowd, as thousands from across the United States and Canada are headed this way. Krochak says the grounds and campgrounds are ready.
"The site here itself, right now is dry, it's in good shape," he said. "This area in general drains very well. There's one campground where it's a little bit soggy. Given the weather Wednesday it's probably going to dry up."
The Kenosha County Sheriffs Department is ready for the festival too. Lt. Horace Staples says they're glad things are drying up and they'll be out patrolling.
"Long hours, we're prepared to do both at the same time. With Highway 50 opening up it just makes things much much easier,” Staples said.
They'll also be getting help from the Kenosha Police Department and Walworth County authorities.
Rain is expected over the next few days and Country Thunder says it does have a weather plan if mother nature comes through.
