Because of these reasons, the festival got success step by step.

More than grocery bills have been paid for - and run up - since the festival got its formal start in 1941.

By 1977, the festival had specialized in folk music and got some 1,000 visitors.

The festival itself didn't get further than a simple flyer and website.

The festival is getting more organized about its concert schedule, though.

"Momentum is growing for the sport," he said, "and the festival gets larger every year."

When the festival got under way, the president made only a perfunctory appearance with his guests.

The festival is still getting bigger with more than 8,000 visitors in 2008.

"I think that the publicity the festival gets is good for jazz," he said.

The festival gets its name from the bells the horses wear during the procession.