Thousands gathered at Oakdale Park Thursday evening as the Festival Jam officially kicked off the 40th Anniversary of the Smoky Hill River Festival.

This year also marked the 31st anniversary of the Festival Jam, which features 16 local and regional bands of every imaginable musical style. Among those that performed included Split Decision, The Banned, The Rob Northcutt Band and many others.

The event began at 6:00 p.m., but many had been at the gates for several hours waiting to get a good spot near Eric Stein Stage.

Festival Jam goers were also able to enjoy food from some of the food vendors that opened on Thursday as well. New food at this year’s festival includes chicken and waffles, fried oyster, turkey strawberry sliders, fried cheese curds and grilled pork macaroni and cheese.

Weather was not a factor in the evening’s event as there were no chances of precipitation.