PHOTOS: Waterfront Blues Festival keeps drawing in crowds for day two

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — The excitement for the 37th annual Waterfront Blues Festival didn’t waver on the second day.

Even though the gates open at 10:15 a.m. for VIPs and 11 a.m. for general admission attendees, some festival-goers were seen lining up hours beforehand.

At about 12 p.m., Marilyn Keller & Her Killer Band brought a crowd to the dance floor at the Front Porch Stage while Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters took the Blues Stage.

Even with triple-digit temps, the heat didn’t keep anyone from enjoying the festival.

“I’m from Portland so I’ve been coming here since as long as I can remember,” said spectator Kate Merrill.

“It was great, it was really nice. I was impressed by the people standing in the sun,” added performer Leyla McCalla.

Two days in, local vendors reflect on successful sales.

“We’re happy to be here… We hope to see more people coming in, even with the weather. We’re next to the river. So I think tomorrow will be a lot better,” said Ray Medina with Jugos Y Frutas Flores.

There are plenty more performances in store for the four-day festival, which is urging people to stay cool and hydrated amid the Portland heat wave.

“It’s staying warm but we’re working hard to beat the heat,” said festival director Christina Fuller.

Stay with KOIN 6 for continuing coverage.

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