JOHNSTOWN - This year, organizers made the Flood City Music Festival more like bigger events across the country such as Coachella and Lollapalooza.

Those festival fans typically do not stay in hotels. They prefer to take it all in 24-7, camping out for days.

"It's pretty typical of festivals-the idea of being able to camp just steps away from the stages is a real draw," Flood City organizer Shelley Johansson said.

Most campers are expected to arrive Friday and organizers said they are not in for a glamorous stay.

They call it a no-frills experience. That means no showers and many trips to portable restrooms.

Fans said that is all just part of the festival tradition.

"It's all part of the experience. If we were at a big music festival, everyone camps out," said April Cox of Johnstown.

Johansson added that since Johnstown only has so many hotels, camping also allows more people from out of town to attend.

That means more business for local vendors. Jason Ament is a partner with local food truck, Speals On Wheels. He said he thinks this is because Flood City brings so many people to the area.

"I think it brings a lot. I see a lot of families coming through, and all different age brackets," Ament said.

The festival continues until Sunday and tickets are available at the gates and online.

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