Making a big Splash

By Jon Bream, Star Tribune

Last update: October 27, 2008 - 10:04 AM

The little country-music festival that could is going big time in its second year in Somerset, Wis. Apple River Country Splash 2009 will feature a major upgrade in talent, starting with superstars Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts, from last summer's inaugural event. Also booked for the June 18-20 festival are Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan and Jason Michael Carroll.

Last year's fest starred Gretchen Wilson, LeAnn Rimes and Clint Black but drew modest crowds of about 10,000 per day. The country-and-camping event is staged at Float-Rite Amphitheater on the Apple River -- about 45 minutes from the Twin Cities. Country Splash competes with similar, more established fests in Eau Claire and Cadott, Wis., and Detroit Lakes, Minn.

Chesney and Rascal Flatts, two of country's biggest attractions, were featured at this year's We Fest in Detroit Lakes. Tim McGraw is booked for We Fest in 2009 as well as Country Jam USA in Eau Claire. George Strait and Brad Paisley are set for Country Fest 2009 in Cadott.

Ticket details for Country Splash will be announced later. For more information, go to www.countrysplash.com.