By MICHELLE IRETON

The Hays Daily News

Red, white and blue-clad volunteers and workers greeted the masses Thursday evening when the gates opened to the annual Wild West Festival in Municipal Park.

Locals gathered around the stage, hoping to get good seats where country music star Tracy Lawrence would be performing in a few hours.

Across from the performing area, the annual carnival was in full swing, with people waiting in line to purchase tickets for the rides.

"This is just good family time for us -- it brings us closer together," said Russell resident Michele Klein.

Klein was accompanied by her 2-year-old son, Taten, who was a first-time visitor to the festival.

"This festival is pretty awesome because Russell doesn't have anything big like this for us to do," she said. "It's a good thing for this community."

Klein and her son visited the carnival the day before, where Taten enjoyed one ride in particular.

"Motorcycles. I got to ride those motorcycles," Taten said as he pointed toward the rides.

"Ever since he rode Grandpa's Harley, he has been fascinated by motorcycles," Klein said. "He was excited to ride the rides."

Hays resident and Wild West Festival regular Brenda Libal came for other attractions the festival had to offer.

"I come for the concerts," she said. "I remember when Josh Turner performed a couple years ago. That was one of my favorites the festival has had so far."

Libal, a Tracy Lawrence fan, arrived early to get a seat, along with her son, James, 11.

"Some of us need social interaction, and this is real good for that," she said. "It's just good, clean fun."

Her son, however, was hoping to get a chance to visit the carnival.

"I'm hoping I get to ride the rides, and I want to try some of the funnel cake," he said with a laugh.

The visitors were not the only ones enjoying the atmosphere. Patrick Dillinger, 16, traveled from Missouri Valley, Iowa, to help his aunt and uncle run the lemonade stands throughout the park.

"I'm just surprised this many people can fit into this tiny place," he joked.

Dillinger said he enjoyed traveling with the family and is in his fourth year of helping with the festival.

"I really enjoy working with the people here," he said. "It's why I keep coming back."

Food and drink at the festival varied, from cheesecake to freshly squeezed lemonade to cotton candy.

Sixteen-year-old Mackenzie Smith, a senior on the swim team at Hays High School, was helping sell popcorn to raise money for the team.

"I'm a pretty big people person," she said. "I work in fast food, so I am already pretty good at serving people.

"It's also pretty handy that I get to see a free show. I just get a kick out of making people happy."

The Wild West Festival will continue until Sunday. Tickets are available at the gate for $15.