By MICHELLE IRETON

The Hays Daily News

Many in the crowd Thursday night had the same thing on their mind.

"We're here to see Tracy," said Gorham resident Janell Stevens.

She was not alone.

Hundreds of people filled Municipal Park on Thursday night all for the same reason: to see one of their favorite country singers perform at the Wild West Festival, Tracy Lawrence.

Chris Smith of Hays said he planned on going back and forth between the carnival and the music, but he was anxious to see Lawrence perform.

"I'm a big fan. I came early to make sure I had a seat. I think everybody was kind of thinking that," Smith said.

Smith said he had been attending the annual festival for six years.

"Coming to this helps the economy. Small businesses mean a lot more to the economy than big businesses," Smith said. "Supporting these smaller chains through events like this is going to help the town grow."

After the park had filled up with waiting fans, the concert opened with music from Lance Combs, with original works and covers from several popular country music singers, including the song "Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde," originally performed by Travis Tritt.

By the end of Combs' performance, the crowd was chanting "Tracy" in excitement for Lawrence's appearance.

Lawrence performed several of his hits, including "Texas Tornado" and "Alibis."

The crowd sang along with several of the numbers and cheered loudly when each musician in the band played an instrumental solo during the song "Time Marches On."

"I've been a Tracy fan for years. There was no way I was going to miss this," said Victoria resident Jacob Weigel.

Weigel was one of many concert-goers who rented a plastic lawn chair in the hopes of getting close to the stage. Weigel ended up earning a spot in the fourth row.

Not every attendee was an avid fan like Weigel.

"I am not a real big country music fan, so I didn't recognize Tracy Lawrence's name right away," said Lawrence native Ben Sanchez.

Sanchez said he was familiar with the music, once he heard a couple of the songs.

"I actually knew and really liked quite a few of (Lawrence's) songs," Sanchez said.

By the end of the concert, the crowd requested an encore, and Lawrence complied with several more numbers, including Jimmy Buffet's popular song, "Margaritaville."

Despite being unfamiliar with Lawrence, Sanchez still enjoyed the evening.

"Hays ... is No. 1," he said.

Judging by the turnout, WWF enthusiasts agreed.