Despite the blazing temperatures, nearly 60,000 fans came to the three day music festival, Firefly on June 21-23. Located in Dover, Delaware,  in the lush Woodlands behind the Dover Downs speedway.  People came from all over the East Coast to enjoy the alternative music by headliners like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and many others.

    “I am most excited to see Edward Sharpe, he is my favorite,” said Emily Mozal.

    Though event was excellent, festival organizers needed to expand the amount of space and amenities  made available to the attendees.

    “Compared to last year, there are so many more vendors and so many more people,” said Steve McCaffery.

    For the guests who stayed all weekend there were three different places that they could either camp or take an RV. For those who were roughing it in either The Grove or the Hideout all weekend, the festival created a place called the Hub that included showers, food, and a phone charging station.

     However, if guests were willing to pay $1,458 and the separate festival pass of $329, they could obtain all the amenities of an upscale hotel. Glamping provided air conditioned tents for two and air conditioned buildings with a buffet provided along with private entrances to the stages. If guests were unable to stay all weekend one-day passes were available for $98.

    “I think paying that amount is ridiculous its supposed to be camping not a hotel,” said Alexis Case.

    Once guests were ready to start the day they embarked on the journey over to the Woodlands area. After waiting in the entry lines for up to a half hour they entered through the main gates and saw the first stage, The Lawn.

    “When I walked in I couldn’t even believe how big it was,” said Julie Beck.

    Vendors were set up along the sides of the forest offering a variety of either All-American food like hamburgers, vegan entrees or even asian cuisine. The coffee shop held hot or iced coffees and teas with small bands to keep guests entertained. Everywhere a guest turned there were water stations available to keep hydrated them for free.

    “It was really nice that they had a variety of food because I am a vegan,” said Allison Stokes.

    If festival attendees were not a fan of the music playing they could either take a nap in the shade of the Hammock Hangout, or cool down at the Brewery or the Winery. The Silent Disco was located under a giant tent where the attendees could put on headphones and dance to their individual own music.

  With about 70 bands playing throughout the weekend, four stages were set up for the entertainment. The Porch, The Lawn, The Backyard and the Firefly Main Stage were all constructed to provide enough space for guests to enjoy the music.

    “I can not wait to come back next year and see all of the new bands,” said Max Decker.