Crews put the final touches on the Country Jam USA grounds for the three day extravaganza.

The festival brings big money into Eau Claire's economy every year.

Up to 90,000 country music fans are expected to fill the grounds.

"They come from along ways a way. I'd say you know at least 6-8 state radius," Executive Director of Visit Eau Claire Linda John said.
Those fans tend to spend time exploring Eau Claire.

"Sometimes they'll add a day ahead of time or take a day at the end of their trip for the music festival," John explained.

It takes millions of dollars and hundreds of people to make it all happen, but once it all comes together it creates a big boost for the local economy.

"Based on past events we estimate about $9 million of new visitor spending coming into the area over the three to four days," John added.
Linda John, with Visit Eau Claire says Country Jam is one of three music festivals that bring in huge revenue for the area every summer.

"The three major ones in June and July, generate 10% of our total visitor spending for the entire year so it's huge. It's the biggest peak of the year for tourism and events like Country Jam are a huge part of that," John said.

"We see an increase in business in the early morning, typically also late at night after jam closes down we see some increased business," General Manager of the Green Mill Restaurant in Eau Claire Mike Adams said.

At the Green Mill Restaurant, Adams says it's always a good weekend for business.

"For Eau Claire it has a significant impact. Not only for just our property, but other places including the grocery stores, the gas stations and things of this nature. The more the merrier! We look forward to it," Adams said.