Proof that it's finally summer in Chattanooga arrives...

Friday Riverbend 2009 opens its gates.

We took a tour of the last minute preps... And organizers say this years Riverbend Festival is fabulous on a budget...

Riverbend 2009 is on the horizon...

Production Coordinator & Talent Buyer Dixie Fuller say, "We're tickled to death with the whole darn thing."

After 1000's of manhours and planning Riverfront Parkway is completely transformed... And organizers planned for the family budget.

This year's Friends of the Festival say they offer the same quality entertainment without raising last year's $28 pin price.

Executive Director Chip Baker says, "It's $3 a day, 100 plus acts. It's a great value."

There are more attractions at Children's Village and for families who couldn't make it to the beach...they brought 180 tons of sand to you...

Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union President & CEO Blake Strickland says, "A lot of folks this time of the year aren't really able to go out of town on vacation. So stay in town, stay vacation here in Chattanooga and come to the beach right here at Riverbend."

Organizers also expect roughly 45 food, beverage, and crafts vendors.... But for many, it's all about the music...

Fuller says, "We're opening with Willie. The B52's have never been to Chattanooga before, they're a great band, you know, party time. Montgomery Gentry, you know they're favorites. We ended up with some really neat things at some good bargains."

Other artists in the lineup include the Commodores, Little Richard and Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman... Plus dozens more including a surprise national act to play Thursday after the B52's.

Fuller says, "We tried to get as many genres of music together and I think we hit the note."

Fuller expects up to 100-thousand people a night. He says Festival is a labor of love, and every year just keeps getting better, "It's just a really good family festival. It's a lot of fun."

Just a reminder... Thursday is the last night to get your Riverbend Pins for only 28 dollars.

They're on sale at your area MapCo and Favorite Market stores and at midnight Thursday they go up to 37 dollars.