WE Fest Brings Country Music and Increased Traffic and Patrols

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVRR) — WE Fest is back for its 41st year at the Soo Pass Ranch near Detroit Lakes.

It is one of the largest country music and camping festivals in the nation.

Typically, more than 100,000 people attend each year.

With that attendance comes increased traffic in the area around the festival grounds.

Minnesota State Patrol will have increased patrols to make sure that everyone gets home safe.

They say this strategy, along with increased cooperation with festival organizers has seen accidents and DWI’s during the festival decrease over the years.

“I think it’s people making better choices. It might be using the shuttle buses, having somebody to pick them up, a sober ride. It might be an Uber or Lyft type thing, or they just don’t leave this area if they’re consuming,” said  Capt. Brian Cheney with Minnesota State Patrol.

This year’s headliners include Eric Church, Parker McCollum and Jelly Roll.