HERSHEY, Pa. (WHTM) -
Check one. Check one, two.
Roadies for eleven big name bands prepped in Hershey on Friday for Farm Aid 2012, the nation's largest longest-running benefit concert for farmers.
"What did you say?!," was the question screamed more often than not throughout the day as loud sound checks echoed throughout Hershey Park Stadium. Workers strapped to cables swung hundreds of feet in the air as crews put the final touches on Farm Aid '12.
As the 27th annual farmers benefit concert makes camp in Hershey, the 'sweetest place on earth' will have sweet sounds from global music icons like Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young. Turns out, that trio found the Farm Aid organization in 1985 in the midst of the farmers' crisis.
That mid-80's plight has turned into a movement that raises $40 million a year to help farmers thrive. On Saturday, 30,000 are expected to rock out and eat fresh food from our own backyard farmers.
"Family farmers have more friends today than they've ever had because of the commitment of the artists," said on event organizer.
Dave Matthews ]singed onto the Farm Aid board in 2001. He, along with Jack Johnson, help make up the 11-band lineup -- but the true headliners will be the organic and sustainable food concession stands.
The menu reads like any other typical big events. Sonya Dagovitz with Homegrown Concessions explained all the food vendors will use local, organic ingredients instead of processed and frozen food.
"[There will be] items you would normally get at concessions but with that family-farm-supplied twist," said Dagovitz. "It's exciting! It's an exciting new way at looking at it."
The Homegrown Village will also help inspire a generation with the Good Food Movement. Tomorrow, those in attendance can learn farm skills like pickling and raising chickens.
Howard Field is a local artisan cheesemaker who is excited to have this concert promote Pennsylvania farmers.
"I love Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and everybody else," said Field. "It's just going to be a wonderful time, a wonderful day. There's going to be some great cheese here for some people to get and eat."
Tickets are still available at the door. The event runs from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday.
