Fests Feted

Tennessee’s economy just got a big boost from a pair of summer music festivals that each celebrated significant anniversaries June 9-12.

Nashville’s CMA Music Festival turned 40 this year and the Bonnaroo Music Festival marked 10 years in Manchester over the weekend.

Fans of the fests apparently came out in droves to celebrate the b-days, with CMA expecting 70,000 in attendance and Bonnaroo reportedly selling out its 80,000 capacity.

According to reports from state tourism officials, last year’s CMA had a $24 million impact on Nashville and Bonnaroo raised nearly as much – $20 million – for Coffee County where the fest is located.