The major entertainment doesn't begin until Thursday, but already hundreds of campers are in their place for Rhinelander's Hodag Country Music Festival.

Tents are going up and campers are settling in as the wild weekend festival unfolds.

Campers come from all over the state and country to secure their places well before the music starts.

"We have a lot of friends that come up here and they were telling us about all the crazy stories about the fun that they had, so far some of it's coming true!" said Darlene Pontzloff, of Sturgeon Bay.

Things along Garth Brooks Boulevard are quiet and relaxing now, but soon these grounds will be rocking with country music fanatics.

Thousands make the trek for the camping, and country music stars like Merle Haggard and Neal McCoy.

For 31 years, the Hodag has brought fame to the northwoods.