July 13, 2015 at 4:21 p.m.
Fans enjoy 'once-in-a-lifetime' fun at festival
Fans enjoy 'once-in-a-lifetime' fun at festival
Kara Pankratz said she is a Hodager for life. This weekend was her fourth year attending the festival.
The Band Perry was her favorite act, although she keeps coming back for the camaraderie year after year.
"It's like a family reunion, seeing friends, hearing the music, the camaraderie," Pankratz listed as highlights of her weekend.
"It's definitely a fun event, it's definitely well put together, I think," she added. "You have to come to experience it. You can't even explain it, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You've just got to do it to understand. In the end, it's worth it."
Similar sentiments were expressed by other fans, some of whom expressed gratitude to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and civic organizations that helped out during the festival.
"I just think that it's a wonderful thing that Oneida County has been willing to host for so many years, and I appreciate the fact that the Oneida County Sheriff's Department works extra hard during this week, because they have the whole county to cover as well as this festival," Deb Kidd said. "I appreciate the way the whole county gets behind it, including charitable organizations and others."
Kidd had great time at Hodag and was quick to encourage others to give it a try.
"I would say that one of the best things about it is people of all ages can enjoy it. There's a free atmosphere with people celebrating, but people are respectful of each other," she said. "So it's safe and fun at the same time."
Kidd's favorite part of the festival was T.G. Sheppard performing "Slow Burn," because it was a special song to her and her husband when they were courting 24 years ago.
"We came here specifically for that performance. For him to come back and perform, that was very special," she said.
David Nault spent the whole weekend at the Hodag. He missed last year due to health issues and was thrilled to be back. Before last year's hiatus, he had attended for seven years straight.
Nault said he would tell people who have never been to the Hodag not to miss their chance next year.
"Have two drinks at the bar instead of three," Nault said, "Save that third one and come down here. This is enjoyable."
Veronica Witter had a good time at her third year at Hodag, and she really appreciated the nice weather.
Her favorite thing about the Hodag is that you can carry your own beer in, whereas other festivals make you leave it behind.
"Also, the chairs, they all stay put," she said.
She was holding out to see Neal McCoy's, the festival's all-time favorite showman, at the end of the festival Sunday.
"I've been here 30 years and I never get tired of him," she said.
All of the chairs have been packed away now and the campers are headed out town carrying thousands of happy, and no doubt tired, Hodagers home. The wide expanse known as "Hodag 50" is bare once again, but it's only temporary. Hodag diehards are already counting the days until next year's party begins.
Katie Perttunen may be reached at [email protected].
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