A riverfront tradition wraps up in Davenport Sunday night. The 28th Mississippi Valley Blues Festival played on and did that through some weather woes over the weekend.
As the final bands closed out the event Sunday night there were hundreds of people in LeClaire Park. Organizers were hoping for about five thousand people Sunday, again braving the heat. Many say they wouldn't let a little hot or rainy weather over the last few days give them the blues, at least not in anyway except from on the stage.
For its 28th year, 24 bands from around the country came in for the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. "It's very laid back. Everybody is friendly and the music is wonderful so can't beat that," said Karen McFarlan, co-chair of the entertainment committee.
Day one on Friday was another hot one. Then, with several thousand in attendance, mother nature reared her ugly head. High winds turned into downpour with lightning throughout the area. "It was a little scary because somebody from the bandshell said 'everybody take cover' and it's like, okay where but we managed to get into the shelter," said Deb Burford who came with her family from Des Moines.
After a small delay, the music kept on under the tent. Organizers say all but one band made an appearance. "We didn't get the crowd we wanted on Friday night because of weather but yesterday was good and today is going to be good too," added McFarland.
About five thousand people braved the heat Saturday, a better than average turnout. The same was expected for Sunday with many seeking shade and their own ways to cool off while soaking up the blues. "It's been really hot. Of course it's hot everywhere, but what better place than by the river in the shade and listening to blues music," said Dave Burford.
While some say they remember years with much bigger crowds, many are happy to see the atmosphere from the vendors and merchandise, to the legends on the stage hasn't changed a bit. "Sitting here you've got the river and the boats and the bridges and trains going by and the great blues and great people here," said Karen Wilfong, attending the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival for the last decade.
It takes more than 200 volunteers to make the Blues Fest happen. Organizers say this is the only blues festival in the country completely run by volunteers.
