Cloudless skies and a blazing sun provided the backdrop Saturday for thousands of music fans at WGRR-FM's Oldiesfest in New Richmond.
The radio station estimated 50,000 people would hear an all-star lineup from the 1950s and '60s. Johnny Rivers and Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and the Raiders were just some of the main attractions scheduled at this year's event.
The concert was expected to draw the largest crowd in its five-year history.
"The best part is that you can bring your kids and feel like they're in a safe place," said May Weber of Anderson Township, who has attended Oldiesfest with her children for three consecutive years. "There aren't a lot of these things where parents and children can have fun at the same time."
The event, which was at its traditional spot in Festival Park, is a freebie to show the radio station's appreciation for its fans. In addition to musical talent from the fledgling days of rock 'n' roll, organizers planned a fireworks show and had children's carnival rides.
"When we do these things, we like to make sure it appeals to a variety of people," said Jim Richards, vice president and general manager of WGRR. "We used to stop at dusk, but we saw this as another way to get people and their kids out here."
Rain plagued the event in previous years. But Mr. Richards -- who said Oldiesfest costs $175,000 for entertainment, booths and security -- spent a year planning to avoid the same fate. Because of typical poor June weather, Mr. Richards pushed the concert back two weeks.
The heavens complied.
"It's definitely hot, but it's a good kind of hot," said Anderson Township resident Jeff Weekley."But this is much better than what we've been seeing the last few weeks. It's time to relax and enjoy yourself and the family."
The sea of tanned faces in the crowd weren't the only people who were enjoying the concert. Sonny Geraci, who sang the hit song "Time Won't Let Me," was impressed with the turnout.
"The atmosphere here is great," he said. "I love going to Cincinnati, because the people here are nice, and they appreciate music."
