The organizers of Firefly saw the highs and lows of a fast-growing even as the festival seemed poised to become a long-running rock event that could raise the profile of a state best known as the home of Vice President Joe Biden.
To the surprise of no one, organizers announced next year’s festival will be held. The dates are June 20-22. Three-day passes will go on sale on Wednesday.
Postings following the announcement of the 2014 event came with suggestions to reduce the size of the crowd, turn up the volume on amplifiers and take other steps to improve the event.
Earlier this year, demand for passes for the entire event was so strong that computer servers slowed down.
The first day of the event included traffic snarls.
“Thank you for your patience with year two traffic. We apologize for the inconvenience you may have experienced getting to Firefly today. As you know, we’ve doubled in attendance this year and with this comes learning curves. If you are still on your way, please follow signage carefully as campers and those heading to the general parking lot adjacent to Dover Downs are flowing into separate lots. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and we’re looking forward to making it up to you at The Woodlands over the next few days,” the post stated.
Corporate sponsors were numerous at the event, which attracts, the highly sought after “millennials, ” a group known for shunning mainstream advertising and marketing efforts.
Local food and beverage vendors were also on hand, including Dogfish Head, Grotto Pizza and the I Don’t Give a Fork food truck from Newark.
The traffic problems came as the event enjoyed perfect weather. The Delaware State News also reported Firefly organizer Red Frog Productions has signed a 10-year contract to continue to hold the festival at the Dover site. It was later reported that both Red Frog and Dover International Speedway have “out” clauses each year
Firefly pumped millions of dollars into the economy of central Delaweare.
While the two NASCAR weekends generate more visitors, traffic for the events flow in throughout the week. Also NASCAR attendance has declined leading to fewer traffic problems related to the Sunday Sprint Cup race.
The festival is being held on property adjacent to Dover International Speedway.
The top-line attendance figures will put Firefly in the same league with the long-running Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo festivals held in California, Chicago and Tennessee respectively.
