Organizers say first Sticks Country Music Festival a success

Cans, plastic bags and men breaking down the stage were the only signs Sunday of this weekend’s STICKS Country Music Festival.
That, and a smile on David Lowitz’ face.
As director of business development for the event at Parker Hill, just north of Auburn, Lowitz was pleased that everything from vendors to the country music stars’ performances went so smoothly.
Firm ticket sales numbers weren’t in Sunday, but event producer David Adams estimated 20,000 people attended the concert Friday and 25,000 showed up Saturday. Adams estimated last week that 30,000 people would attend. Tickets ranged from $35 to $85.
“It was fun,” Adams said. “We didn’t talk to anybody who didn’t absolutely love it.”
Lowitz said after this weekend’s success the concert would be an annual event.
With the word out and plans to improve the natural bowl shape of the outdoor performance space, Lowitz expects even better turnout in years to come. Organizers have to work around Easter, Auburn University A-Day and other events, but they’ll probably stick with April for future concerts, he said.
In the end, Lowitz said, he didn’t judge success by whether the concert made money, lost money or broke even.
“It was successful because people walked away with a good feeling and had a great time,” he said. “They’ll tell their friends. Next year, we’re going to put people all the way back to the fence.”

Cliff Williams | Opelika-Auburn News
Trash awaits cleanup Sunday after the Sticks Country Music Festival weekend.