How WE Fest became the biggest Detroit Lakes party that almost never was

['A Reporter At Detroit Lakes Newspapers Since Relocating To The Community In October', 'Vicki Was Promoted To Community News Lead For The Detroit Lakes Tribune', 'Perham Focus On Jan.', 'She Has Covered Pretty Much Every', 'Beat', 'That A Reporter Can Be Assigned', 'County Board', 'City Council To Entertainment', 'Crime', 'Even Sports. Born'] The Bemidji Pioneer | Bemidji, Minnesota 2026-07-30 14:30:00

DETROIT LAKES — When Mary Madson first heard the news in 1983, she couldn't quite believe it. Mary Ann and Jim Brogren of Detroit Lakes became WE Fest regulars after the first one in 1983, though they hadn't originally intended to go. Detroit Lakes Tribune file photoAs word of the country party spread, crowds began to swell. Nathan Bowe / Detroit Lakes Tribune"We want to kind of bring back that personal touch — to make it a community event again," Mithun told the Detroit Lakes Tribune right before the 2021 festival was set to start. WE Fest opens this week at the Soo Pass Ranch south of Detroit Lakes, with three full days of music planned on Aug. 6-8, 2026.