Thousands of festival-goers from all over the Wiregrass and beyond arrived Thursday for day one of the 2009 BamaJam Music and Arts Festival.

And they were determined to have fun even when rain showers appeared and sunshine was hard to find for awhile.

"It's just a good time out in the country in the middle of a soybean field in Enterprise, Alabama," says Matt Hennant of Columbus, GA.

If you arrived Thursday it's likely you noticed some changes to the Coffee County grounds this year. The most obvious is the addition of grass, so the sandstorms of last year are not likely.

Organizers have also added shower areas, more trolley's to transport people, and more parking employees. The highways will still be backed up getting into the festival, but organizers want to try to get the internal parking situation as organized as possible.

"Just have patience with us," says event organizer and Vice President of Ronnie Gilley Properties Billy Graham. "Bring some water in the car or something like that while you are waiting. They are getting everyone in as fast as we can."

Most of the masses come for the music, like Thursday's headliner Taylor Swift. But they have a very special guest this year as well.

Survivor Tocantins winner and Samson native J.T. Thomas has a tent to meet and take pictures with fans. People can also purchase J.T merchandise. So how is life different for the new millionaire?

"It is pretty great right now because I am here at BamaJam," says Thomas. "I get to see all my friends and family and everyone is having a good time. Nothing has really changed yet, except a little more attention and people are happier to see me than they used to be."

With all the big names at BamaJam Graham expects record crowds.

"It is going to be more than last year, significantly more," says Graham. "We have already sold more tickets. I am going to say it will be the biggest gathering, probably bigger than Talledega. We are looking at 300,000 people over three days."

And even if weather doesn't cooperate BamaJam fans seen willing to brave the elements.

"What is rain?" said Garrett Hennant. "A free shower!"