By AMY BALTODANO
Hays Post

The Wild West Festival committee has been hard at work preparing many activities the public will be able to enjoy during the festival July 1 to 4.

The 45-member committee often begins planning the day after the final show — “on July 5 for the next year. It’s a yearlong process. We are always preparing,” co-president Mary Karst said.

This is the 21st year for the event.

“We have a booking agent that helps us,” said Karst, who has been on the committee for 16 years. “We kind of get a list together and check pricing and see who might be within our price range and then we have a booking agent who books them.”

Fellow member Bob Swift has been volunteering for the past 21 years. He said the committee is excited for this year’s upcoming lineup.

This year’s headliners include Parmalee, Joe Diffie, Trixter and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas. Hays’ own Hannah Norris will play the opening act on Friday, July 3. To view full list of concerts and business outlets, go to wildwestfestival.com.

Karst said the business community gets behind the annual event, and it’s the private funding the committee receives that allows the festival to occur each year.

“If we didn’t have the support of our business community, there’s no way we could do it, because the $15 ticket doesn’t come close to paying for all of the talent that we bring in,” Karst said. “The business community really gets behind it takes ownership in it and helps.”

The public also will be able to attend the Main Street Parade on July 4. “Staying True to the Red, White and Blue” is the theme.

There are no concerts on Saturday, but fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. While watching the fireworks, be sure to listen to Eagle Radio Mix 103.3FM.

For $125, VIP tickets are available. Tickets can be purchased online now or next week at supporting businesses.