Firefly 2016 kicks off with high expectations from growing crowd

Firefly 2016 got off to a rainy start Thursday, and although the clouds stayed throughout the 1st day of the 4 day festival, concert goers were digging in for the long haul regardless of what mother nature has in store.

47ABC spoke with many festival goers who have been to firefly in years past, and they are expecting bigger crowds, basing their estimation on the growth the 5 year old festival has seen since it’s start.  Last year officials tell 47ABC they had a crowd of around 90,000.

47ABC spoke with a few self proclaimed Firefly vets on Thursday, and they say regardless of crowd or weather conditions, it’s all about the experience.  One New Jersey man says “I mean everyone’s getting along, no problems at all. Everyone’s real happy, drinking, you know having fun.” A woman from Newark echoed that sentiment telling 47ABC “It’s all part of the experience it’s all part of the plan you know nature, music, beer.”  Concert goers who were tailgating were all there for the experience, and to share some memories. “I mean it’s firefly we’re just here to have a good time – it’s going to be an amazing weekend” another man who made the trek from Jersey says. 

Over the course of the 4 day festival, 115 groups will take the stage, entertaining the crowds that are expected to be close to 100,000.