Stagecoach is different than Coachella Fest in that people can bring blankets and chairs. When the gates opened, everyone raced into the field to find the best spot to put their blanketed area down for the best view of the stage. These areas were farther back, but there was a standing-room area a little closer to the stage.

Stagecoach chairs could be purchased in the VIP areas that were numbered for each fan. Red Canvas chairs filled the largest area by the stage with the Stagecoach logo on each one. For the extra fee, festivalgoers had their own private chair to sit in with the best view of the artists on stage.

Another great, thoughtful feature was that there were special ramps for the handicapped fans. Wheelchairs could be seen on the ramps for those with disabilities.

All ages attended this country music event. Young children in strollers and the elderly could get from one venue to another. Walkways were provided to help move the crowd from one stage to the tents in the south end of the Polo Grounds. These were of great benefit to those trying to get from one area to another. Special areas were planned for young children. Many stouthearted young people tried to ride the mechanical bull.

The Mustang and Palomino stages were filled all thru the day. Country Greats Lynn Anderson and Charlie Daniels Band brought huge crowds to the tents. Sounds from blue grass country to gospel to banjo picking could be heard from each tent as you passed by.

Another first was movie-star-turned-musician Kevin Costner. He thanked the crowd for watching his cowboy movies. He said he started with music before his movie career and was enjoying getting back to his first love. He has written several songs that had a lot of emotional feelings in them.

Another feature this year is the Soap Nation tent with soap opera actors and actresses available for photos and autographs. The soap stars also helped with the auctions of autographed guitars.

All proceeds from the sale of the guitars stay here in the desert. Many Perks comes along to the buyer of these special items including back stage passes for 2010, Passes to the set of the filming of the soap operas and much more.

A barbecue contest was held on both Saturday and Sunday with the winner getting not only a title but also cash. Judges spent several hours each day tasting and recording their favorite barbecue flavor. Barbecue cooks with huge ovens came from all over the United States for this competition.

It was another stellar year for country and western fans. Stagecoach will become a tradition for fans to come to this festival every year.

For more Pat Krause photos of Stagecoach 2009, click here.

For more about the Stagecoach Festival, click here.

For more about Lynn Anderson, click here.

For more about the Charlie Daniels Band, click here.

For more about Kevin Costner, click here.