Country music fans are among the most loyal group of music fans, and the artists are just as loyal and appreciative. Back in 1972, Nashville began hosting an event for DJs. This became popular as fans showed up in droves so the CMA decided to create a festival of music. Dubbed “Nashville’s Biggest Party,” the CMA Fest brings together veteran artists and newcomers in front of tens of thousands of fans.

This original documentary — “CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan Fair” —  showcases the festival. This music festival has been described as the “Redneck Hollywood,” and “Disney World for country music fans.” There’s no doubt Nashville is the place to be for country music.

Combining autograph booths with concerts, Nashville transforms from “Music City, U.S.A.” into music and fan central for country music.

“It’s like the Monterey Pop Festival only people are behaving,” one of the interviewees says in this fascinating documentary. The festival has outgrown its previous two locations, first the municipal auditorium, then the Tennessee state fairgrounds. Now it takes up all of downtown Nashville.

Fans love it and artists look forward to performing there. It gives fans an up-close and personal experience with their favorite artists.

The documentary includes interviews with artists across the world of country music — Blake Shelton, Trisha Yearwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Bill Anderson, Luke Bryan, Lori Morgan, Brooks & Dunn, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and more talk about their experiences at the festival and what it means.

Country music is a unique genre. The relationship between artists and fans is like a family. “You treat people like you want to be treated,” Reba McIntyre says. And Wynonna Judd chimes in about the 1980s when she began, “We didn’t have facebook — we had face to face.” And that sums up exactly what the CMA Fest is. It is a music festival with face-to-face opportunities for everyone.

Disney/ABC have been airing this festival for several years. The CMA Foundation donates to schools across the country and to date has raised over $27 million from the festival. By partnering with schools, they raise the awareness of music and education for students K-12.

The CMA Music Fest draws over 90,000 fans per day over the festival’s four days. Fans from every state and around the world descend on Nashville every year for this major music extravaganza.

“CMA Fest: 50 Years of Fan” begins streaming Wednesday on Hulu.

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