Greg Gierl believes the rise in gas prices will inspire more Wisconsinites to vacation close to home, and that his event, The Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering, will prosper from the "staycation" mentality.

"With the price of gas these days, Cosmic Railroad understands that people are strapped for cash and might not have the resources to travel to Bonnaroo or another big festival," says Gierl. "It costs more than $40 to spend two nights in a campground without any music and the gathering offers it all in one convenient package."

The Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering is in its third year, and takes place Aug. 1-3 at Camp Rotamer in Janesville. The gathering is produced by the Cosmic Railroad band, and in conjunction with the Kenosha Conservatory of Music.

Tickets are $40 per person (children under 12 are free) and include two nights of camping and live music performances.

Camp Rotamer features shaded campsites, hot water showers, a lake for fishing and canoeing and miles of nature trails.

"Camp Rotamer is in a beautiful, natural setting with tall trees and a nice lake for fishing and canoeing," says Gierl.

This year's special guest include Family Groove Company, a former winner of the Jambands.com New Groove of the Month, Sarah Vonderhaar, a singer/songwriter who was recently a contestant on "America's Next Top Model," a bluegrass band called The Hill Climbers, Big Sky String Band, B Funk Family, SLM and American Folk.

The Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering is an all-ages event.

"Families that have been there in the past enjoy the laid back atmosphere, the kids area and fun activities like fishing and canoeing," says Gierl.

Along with a full weekend of music, festivalgoers can explore the vending area featuring a variety of craft and food items. Also, this event features activities like the Hippie Olympics, and children's games.

Romero expects 300-500 people to attend the Cosmic Railroad Family Gathering.

"There are very few festivals across the country that do not have major corporate sponsorship," says Gierl. "Cosmic Railroad produces the entire event themselves and the only sponsorship is the Kenosha Conservatory of Music which the band members themselves founded."

Right on.