Tuesday's early evening drizzle made Deborah Snow only more determined.
The Sunfield resident grabbed her umbrella and waterproof shoes and headed to the opening day of the Common Ground festival, knowing only a tornado would send her home.
"This is nothing," said Snow, 31, looking toward the gray sky. "But it doesn't matter, I'm her for the stay."
The rain held out for most of the night.
That was good news for Common Ground organizers, who hope to draw about 60,000 people to the six-day event. They'll know today how many people showed up Tuesday.
The festival includes two main stages, 20 national acts and 19 food vendors. New this year is a 70-foot Ferris wheel that towers over the Shiawassee Street bridge.
Food and concessions vendors-ranging from Mexican cuisine to a cappuccino selling truck-lined the streets. In-line skating, a sandbox tent and rock climbing were among the other attractions.
Concert-goers began trickling into the stage area shortly after 5 p.m.-vying for a good spot to see rhythm and blues singer Gladys Knight. She was scheduled to perform at 9:30 p.m.
"I almost fainted when I saw she was playing here," said Michigan State student Ebon Pinson from his spot two feet in front of the stage. "She has the best voice ever."
Lin and Don Dawson of Lansing also were among the first to get a spot for the show. First, they would experience rock band Foundation of Funk, which took the stage two hours before Knight.
"I think it's a rock band," Lin Dawson said. "I know it's going to be some funky music," joked Don Dawson.
Lansing police had extra officers at the event but didn't expect trouble. About five people were arrested during last year's six-day festival.
"Its just a nice family event," Lansing police Sgt. Jim Kraus said.
For David Wheelock, it was a business opportunity.
Wheelock and partner Jason Hadley brought their roving cappuccino-making mobile to the event.
It's the first time the pair has attended a festival. Usually they roam the streets of Lansing or attend special events to sell coffee and ice cream.
"It seemed natural," said Wheelock, who's been in business about six months. "Coffee and music-they go together."
Ticket sales on Monday were up 10 percent over last year. The event lost more than $90,000 in 2000 when 48,174 people attended. Of those, 26,000 paid for tickets. The rest had sponsor tickets or were children younger than 10, who got in free.
The event started last year to replace the defunct Michigan Festival, which went bankrupt in 1998.
The National Weather Service predicts a wet week. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout today and part of the weekend. Thursday and Friday should be dry. And highs all week should be in the mid-80s.
Hours before the Common Ground's kickoff, organizers scurried through downtown Lansing putting finishing touches on concession stands, stages and event areas.
Lansing mayor David Hollister took the first ride on the Ferris wheel about 3 p.m. People showed up through the day at the box office to buy the $20 or $60 tickets.
"Everything is full-speed ahead," said festival spokeswoman Linda Fredreckson. "We're ready."
FAST FACTS:
- The Lansing Fire Department had 600 rubber gloves, 4 gallons of water and 6 liters of saline to help injured people Tuesday night.
- Ramon's Restaurant and Lounge came Tuesday with 80 pounds of beef and 400 burrito shells for their trademark burritos.
- Souvenirs range in price from $1 for a temporary tattoo to $30 for a denim shirt.
- The souvenir stand had 1,500 T-shirts, 200 beach balls and about 3,000 glow sticks when the festival opened Tuesday.
- Bailey's Concessions expected to use about 10gallons of cinnamon and 100 pounds of shortening to make elephant ears on Tuesday.
Contact Sharon Terlep at 377-1066 or sterlep@lsj.com.