Hoedown showdown: Upper Midwest country music fests

It's that time again: Have camper, keg and cowboy hat, will travel. Despite the economy, the Upper Midwest country-music-and-camping season, which starts next weekend with Winstock, offers more star power than ever. There's no need to make a pilgrimage to Nashville -- local country fans can see most of the music's biggest names this summer at one of these festivals within four hours of the Twin Cities.

Lineup grade: B

Headliners: Big & Rich; Brooks & Dunn.

Also check out: Heidi Newfield and "American Idol" contestants Kristy Lee Cook and Casey Carlson.

Take a siesta during: Billy Currington.

Comment: The little-fest-that-could, a mere 35 miles west of Minneapolis, is a fundraiser for Winsted's Holy Trinity Catholic School.

Info: www.winstockfestival.com

Headliners: Travis Tritt, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts.

Also check out: Darius Rucker, Miranda Lambert.

Take a siesta during: Clay Walker.

Comment: In its second year, this fest is undergoing a major upgrade. The opening day looks modest, so consider a day trip for Friday (Chesney, Lambert) or Saturday (Rascal Flatts, Rucker). Info: www.countrysplash.com

Lineup grade: A-minus

Also check out: Jamey Johnson, Joey & Rory.

Take a siesta during: Chuck Wicks.

Comment: From the central Twin Cities it's only a two-hour drive to this rural site, where they also stage Rock Fest in July with Steve Miller Band, Korn, Sheryl Crow and others.

Info: www.countryfest.com

Lineup grade: C

Also check out: Heidi Newfield.

Take a siesta during: .38 Special.

Comment: For my money, Phil Vassar and Sawyer Brown, who appear second to last, are stronger than the headliners on the final two nights.

Info: www.countryjam.com

Lineup grade: B-plus

Also check out: Joey & Rory.

Take a siesta during: Kellie Pickler.

Comment: Hello? Taylor Swift, who performs Aug. 7, should be headlining instead of Brooks & Dunn that night. Teenagers like to stay up late.

Info: www.wefest.com