By Jason Rzucidlo

What is the Hoedown?  A three-day music festival  Known as the “World’s Largest Free Country Music Concert”  Includes food, fun, dancing, mechanical bull rides, shopping and more  For the entire family

History of the Hoedown  Began in 1983  Started as a one-day event  First stars included Hank Williams Jr., Tanya Tucker, The Kendals, Brenda Lee and Mel Tillis  Evolved into a three-day festival

History of the Hoedown  Some stars who played at the Hoedown and made it big are: Reba McEntire Sawyer Brown Lee Greenwood Travis Tritt Toby Keith

History of the Hoedown  Some stars who played at the Hoedown and made it big are: JoDee Messina Lonestar Dixie Chicks Montgomery Gentry SheDaisy

History of the Hoedown  Some stars who played at the Hoedown and made it big are: Rascal Flatts LeAnn Rimes Gretchen Wilson Big & Rich Buddy Jewell

Who plays the Hoedown?  Local bands are first  Newcomers follow  Established artists headline

When and Where?  Hart Plaza, along Detroit’s beautiful riverfront bordering Windsor, Ont.  The second weekend in May  May , 2005  From noon to 11 p.m. at night

Shopping Booths

Hart Plaza

Me and Trace Adkins

Me with Jessica Andrews

Me and SheDaisy

Me with Andy Griggs

Big & Rich, Kid Rock

Me with Buddy Jewell

A bird’s eye view..

A Crowded Fountain

Friday, May 13, 2005  Local bands TBA  Blue County  Katrina Elam  Kentucky Headhunters  Cowboy Troy  Jo Dee Messina

Saturday, May 14, 2005  Local bands TBA  Hot Apple Pie  Hanna and McEuen  Miranda Lambert  Mark Chesnutt  Julie Roberts  Tracy Lawrence  Gary Allan

Sunday, May 15, 2005  Local bands TBA  Colgate Country Showdown  Aaron Lines  Blaine Larson  Rebecca Lynn Howard  Billy Dean  Bret Michaels  Chris Cagle

What to expect  The average high is 71° for May 14  Mostly sunny  Bring sunglasses  Prepare to drink lots of water  Camera

2005 Hoedown Sponsors

Complete Coverage