BROWNSVILLE - The Willamette Country Music Festival has added a new feature to its upcoming concerts: the PlayStation Experience.

The computer game company will bring its 90-foot-long, 30-foot-expanded width tractor trailer to the three-day music festival, which takes place Aug. 27-30 at a 300-acre venue three miles east of Brownsville.

The trailer will arrive on the 27th during setup day and will be open to the public during all concerts the 28th-30th, said Anne Hankins, the festival's vice president of operations.

Families who come to the festival can experience a "PlayStation wonderland," Hankins said, where they can try out dozens of computers and games, some well-known, some not yet released to the public. Competitions and prizes are a part of the event.

Fans can release their inner rock star at the PlayStation "Rock Band" stage featuring the "Take The Stage" national contest, or can sing their hearts out at the "SingStar" stage and get exclusive first looks at pre-release games.

Gamers pay no additional charge other than admission to the music festival.

Hankins said the PlayStation tour organizers contacted the music festival to make them a part of their West Coast tour. Festival organizers jumped at the chance to add another activity for families to enjoy.

"It's quite a unique opportunity, to partner with them," Hankins said.

The second annual Willamette Country Music Festival will feature performances from Keith Anderson, Neal McCoy, Lonestar, Emerson Drive, Jason Michael Carroll, Chris Young, Rockie Lynne, Amy Clawson and more.

The festival venue includes RV and tent camping and a food and craft vendor area. Tickets and information are available through the WCMF web site, www.WillametteCountryMusicFest.com.

Democrat-Herald