In one weekend, spectators will be able to watch bands such as Eddie Money and Loverboy.

They can watch stars of the World Bullriding Federation during the Tour of Champions Rodeo.

A fireworks show each night, various food stands and contests can also be enjoyed.

And it's all happening in Austin at the Mower County Fairgrounds.

Weisfest is back for a second year, one day longer and much larger than last year.

While last year featured only regional bands, organizers are pulling in national acts such as Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, Molly Hatchet and Little River Band. June 27-29 will be jam-packed with bands, entertainment and a rodeo show. Part of the proceeds will go to area United Way organizations.

"We wanted to do something like this for the community, to have something happening and affordable," said Lon Prizler, a promoter.

Chris and Connie Weis and Prizler organized the show. The idea came from a band Chris Weis was managing two years ago. The band thought it would be fun to play at an outdoor event. Chris Weis decided to make a concert of it and invite other regional bands.

The first Weisfest was held last summer for two days.

The name, Weisfest, came from a inside joke among friends. When he was younger, Chris Weis used to host parties at his mother's house outside of town. The gathering, which featured live music, was called "Weisfest," Connie Weis said.

When the event was being planned last year, friends jokingly started called it Weisfest. The name stuck.

"It was a kidding thing, you know, "Oh it's Weisfest," Connie Weis said with a laugh.

The organizers decided to keep Weisfest going this year, but to make it bigger. They started working with an agency to book the bands.

It worked. Ten nationally-known bands are scheduled to perform along with regional bands. Fireworks by Flashing Thunder are scheduled for each evening and nationally known vendors are also scheduled to come.

"I think it's really going to bring back a lot of memories for some people," Connie Weis said.

Arranging this year's event hasn't been without challenges. Along with planning the event, the three also run All-State Bonding and All-State Residential Loans in Austin, Faribault and Albert Lea.

Meeting the bands demands can be difficult as well. The bands request certain things in their contracts, which can be hard to coordinate. Loverboy, for example, wants a Bic lighter as a part of its contract.

"It's definitely new to us," Connie Weis said. "We just thought you paid for them and that was it."

They've also had to put up with rumors that the real performers aren't coming or that Weisfest isn't actually happening.

"This is in fact happening," Prizler said. "There's no stopping it now. These are the bands."

So far, about 2,000 tickets have been sold in advance all over the United States. The organizers are hoping 5,000 to 7,000 will be sold before and during the event.

Camping will be available on site for $20. Three-day passes are $60 in advance and $75 at the gate. A day pass is $25 in advance and $35 at the gate.

If needed, parking will be available at Oak Park Mall and a shuttle will run attendees back and forth.

Part of the show will feature local talent as well. The organizers are sponsoring a karaoke contest and three finalists will be chosen to perform at Weisfest. The winner is determined by the audience and wins $500.

The contest is held at 7 p.m. tonight and Wednesday, June 18, at Trader's Bar and Grill in downtown Austin. The judges are looking not only for singing ability, but also stage presence.

Organizers hope to keep making the festival better and bigger -- but not too much bigger -- each year. They see 15,000 as the largest they would want it to be in the future. Security will be tight this year and rowdy behavior will not be tolerated, they said. They also think drawing people to town will help local businesses.

Most of all, they want people to enjoy themselves.

"This is going to be a great thing for Austin, I think," Connie Weis said.

For more information and a schedule of performers, call (507) 434-9394 or log on to www.weisfest.com.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com