"Cold beer, girls in bikinis and damn good music. That's why I'm here," said Ben Murphy, senior in finance.

Though many people seemed to have their minds on alcohol, Country Stampede for most is all about the music. Country music fans from 44 states and 5 countries were in attendance, including many K-State students.

"I'm here to party with friends and meet new people," said Jordyn Storey, junior in industrial engineering.

The festival got off to an interesting start as rain Wednesday night made the parking areas at Tuttle Creek State Park unfit for parking on Thursday, and as a result, parking was offered at Bramlage Coliseum.

Those attending Stampede were shuttled to the park every 15 minutes. The shuttle services were only offered on Thursday.

Wayne Rouse, president and general manager of Country Stampede, said he was pleased with how Stampede turned out, but surprised by how many vendors at Stampede fell short of their own expectations as far as sales go.

"It went really well," Rouse said. "The logistics worked out well. We were worried about the economy and overall it was a great festival. It just seemed like people held on to their money once they were on the grounds. Some of the vendors that should have done well did okay."

Pat Gragg, owner of Granny's Goodies, said business was great for her booth. Granny's Goodies offered hearty meals including rib eye steaks, BLT sandwiches and Frito-chili pies.

"We've had people come back all four days," Gragg said. "We're happy and will be back."

On Saturday, festival officials announced two of the major headliners for next year's festival: Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert. According to Rouse, this has never been done in the history of the festival.

"Next year is our 15th anniversary and we're doing special things to celebrate," Rouse said.

Planning for next year's festival is already underway. Rouse said Country Stampede is looking into possibly promoting the event on a more national scale.

Headliners for this year's concert included: Julianne Hough, Luke Bryan, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Zac Brown Band, Sawyer Brown, Dierks Bentley, Jack Ingram, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, The Bellamy Brothers, Kellie Pickler and Phil Vassar.

Many country music fans, like Lauren Benton, senior in marketing, find the music relaxing.

"It's great to let loose and enjoy country music," she said.

Rouse said attendance was down on Thursday and Friday afternoons because of the heat; but went up once the weather cooled down. Though sales figures and attendance have yet to be completely calculated, Rouse said he believes Country Stampede 2009 was a success.