The 2014 Firefly Festival opens later this week and the transformation of the Woodlands at Dover International Speedway is underway.
[audio:http://www.wdde.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/bostrumfirefly.mp3|titles= Delaware Public Media's Karl Malgiero interviews Firefly Festival event director Greg Bostrum.]
Officials expect a crowd of 80 thousand music fans to descend on the state capital, and they have made efforts to streamline the arrival process to avoid traffic congestion.
They hope moves such as adding a fourth day and offering premium campsites to those willing to show up early spread out arrivals.
Even if traffic improves this year, Greg Bostrum - founder and CEO of Firefly organizer Red Frog Events - says he realizes the event will always inconvenience some people, but feels it's a net benefit to the region.
“We’re proud to have an economic impact that’s already been estimated at over $24 million annually and we expect to grow," he says. "So we’re always proud when we can support the local community and the local economy.”
The state tourism department has said they are planning a study of the full economic impact from this year’s four-day festival.
Each year Firefly has featured at least one band from the First State. The inaugural 2012 festival featured Lower Case Blues, and last year featured Newark's Spinto Band.
And nestled in the over 100 musical acts at this year’s Firefly Festival are a pair of home grown groups being given the unique chance to reach many of expected 80 thousand festivalgoers.
Newark’s R&B/indie-pop duo Mean Lady and Wilmington’s rootsy folk rock five-piece New Sweden are the two Delaware bands on the 2014 lineup.
Bostrum says the two groups aren’t just there for local flavor. He calls them perfect fits for Firefly – which features a number of bands that explore similar musical territories.
“They’re both bands that in their own right, regardless of where they’re from, we would consider for Firefly; very talented musicians, great songwriters, great performers.”
Mean Lady hits the Big Break stage at 1:30 pm on Friday and New Sweden lands on the same stage Saturday at 12:30.
Fans can also get a closer look at each group during meet-and-greet sessions on the days they’re scheduled. For specific times and other details, check the Firefly Festival's official website.
