CHOCOLAY- Summer is the time of music festivals and for the Upper Peninsula music scene there is a new contender on the circuit, Woodstack Music Festival which was held at the Gitche Gumee RV Park in Chocolay Township Thursday through Saturday.

Three nights of music, camping and partying with something musically for every taste of music starting with Thursday’s “Nashville Night,” and continuing with two nights of rock shows.

“Last night I think we had about 100 people here partying and listening to music,” said Rich Pasoce, event coordinator.

“I think the music was great and I think everyone got a great show,” he said. “So far it’s been moderately successful.”

The idea for the festival came about five years ago when Pascoe was hanging out at the campground, having promoted other things in the past he wanted to give the festival thing a try.

Picking out bands wasn’t as easy, with so much talent packed into the city and surrounding areas, trying to find the perfect fit was something that took time.

“I went out and looked for the hot bands, went to a couple shows and checked them out at some of the taverns and clubs in the area,” Pascoe said.

From there he decided he wanted Everything Under the Sun and Not Quite Canada to play because they have a “real good college following.”

“I wanted a rock scene for the old guys that are into rock and roll,” Pascoe said. “So we put that together, we got Nudge. and Highway 63, then a buddy of mine owed me a favor which gave me, Thursday night’s country and western show.”

The festival brought a variety of people from all walks of life to one spot, but that didn’t bother festival-goer Rachel Bowerman.

“It’s just a super friendly gathering, everyone’s just hanging out listening to some music, and enjoying the sun,” she said. “The camping is comfy and cozy, not crowded by any means, however the misquotes are god awful.”

Campers, dogs, children and adults all enjoyed what the festival had to offer.

“Once the band got done playing last night everyone kind of congregated around the fire.” Bowerman said. “You could also go inside and shoot some pool.”

Although the inaugural year didn’t have the turn out some might expect for a music festival, it’s rumored that plans are already underway for next year’s festival for the same weekend in late June.

Elizabeth Bailey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243.