. - Thousands are expected to attend Bash on the Bay on Thursday to see the Rascal Flatts.
But on Wednesday, hundreds worked to set up the event on the Lake Erie Island.
"You know, you're loading 20 semis on ferry boats, all of the people, the gear, and then all of the concert goers are coming here," said Tim Niese, Bash on the Bay promoter
It's a logistical undertaking, as riggers and movers worked in the heat to setup the stage and concert area for Bash on the Bay.
It's the second year of the festival, as Toby Keith headlined in 2017. That concert has now served as proof of concept in how the small island with only two ferry services, could host the large scale concert.
"It takes a year. We start within a few weeks of this one being over we'll start on next year. Just because, again, it is such and unusual thing to load all of this stuff onto ferry boats. So we've got to keep everyone appraised on what we're doing and where we're going." explained Niese.
The location on the Lake Erie island might make it more difficult to get the equipment all together, but also is an asset is selling the event to the national acts.
Tim Niese said all three members of the Rascal Flatts were thrilled at the idea of performing in their home state and at a place that they haven't visited since they were kids.
And for the island itself, it's a chance to inject some additional tourism dollars into the economy after traditional tourism season has ended.
"Once the kids go back to school in August, the island really slows down. So this is a big financial boost," said Rosann Kieser with the Put-in-Bay Port Authority.
The gates open for Bash on the Bay at 2:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon.
Next week they will be announcing next year's big act for the 2019 Bash on the Bay.
