Concert Producer: “It's Been a Journey!”

Alex Flores just dreams a lot bigger than most of us and this morning said after months of work and, yes--some skepticism--that he could pull off this weekend's Southern Illinois Country Fest on the grounds of the World Shooting Complex in Sparta, "People told us we'd never see it. I said you will. And, it's here!" He's been camped there for days.

Flores said planning meetings went until 11:30 p.m. Monday night with more meetings scheduled for today.

Trace Adkins appears on stage this Friday, Oct. 5. Tim McGraw will headline the three-day Southern Illinois Country Fest event Oct. 6 and Dierks Bentley will appear Sunday, Oct. 6 at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex. The festival also features Dierks Bentley, LoCash Cowboys, Colt Ford, The Farm and American Idol finalist Casey James.

Local entertainers like Keenan Rice will also perform on the grounds.

McGraw has won three Grammys, as well as 14 Academy of Country Music, 11 CMA, 10 American Music and three People's Choice awards. He has recorded 32 No. 1 singles and sold more than 40 million albums.

Bentley has produced nine No. 1 hits and sold more than 6 million albums. He found his first success in the business with single "What was I Thinking?"

LoCash Cowboys have made numerous appearances in Southern Illinois in recent years.

Flores of Ava-based Country Wild Entertainment said he hopes this event will be an economic engine for the region. He said next year's concert weekend is already in the planning stages.

"The main thing about this is funding and sponsorships. We already have people getting involved for next year," he said. "This weekend isn't about Alex, " he said. "It's about Southern Illinois. It's been a journey!" he said, but "overall, I think we had a great outcome and are getting a lot of support. "It is a reality. A couple of months ago people did not see it that way. Now, everybody has jumped onboard," with Flores expecting an average of 9,000 concert goers a day. He said response has been great from the Metro East area and places like Paducah, Ky. "People are coming from North Carolina, even Australia," he said. "We still need the local people to buy their tickets, but they will do that. Many are just waiting."

He said the World Shooting Complex is opening all five entrances to traffic. Local police, conservation police, the Randolph County Sheriff's Department and Illinois State Police are assisting. He said, "All of the artists have become involved."

"We have talked to their agents and tour managers."

He said some are very down to earth. Some are "prima donnas." he smiles. "They want decaf coffee or they want a different kind of sugar."

They want this or they want that.

But, at the end of the day, Alex sees it as a great weekend for all of Southern Illinois.

The main stage will have box seating on either side, a VIP "pit pass" area in front with a general admission area behind that.

Complete details are available on the Southern Illinois Country Fest Web site at www.sicountryfest.com.