Around 50,000 people flood the streets of downtown Nashville every day during the CMA Music Festival, bringing with them their summertime spending. Despite the recession, many are first time attendees, like Tony Neal of Monroe, Louisiana. He says missing the experience wasn’t an option. He’s here with his wife and three daughters, one of whom is a 14 year-old aspiring songwriter.
“She’s writing with some Nashville songwriters, so she says, ‘I have to come to CMA fest because, you know, if I’m gonna live here one day, I’m sure gonna come.’”
According to one souvenir shop employee, the arrival of CMA Fest is like Christmas for local businesses.
Mike Duguay, owner of Mike’s Ice Cream Fountain, has come to depend on the crowds since opening his shop six years ago.
“This is huge. The CMA Music Festival really provides revenues to keep a place going through the winter and throughout the year.”
In the week leading up to CMA Fest, Duguay says his sales have risen approximately 10%.
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