BETHEL — Glowing signs warn drivers about heavy traffic, tents are pitched at campsites across the county, and residents anxiously await Woodstock weekend. The golden anniversary preparations are complete, and now county officials, Bethel Woods employees, and local businesses are beginning the long four days of work ahead.

Local business owners are anticipating some 100,000 visitors over the weekend, and they're ready to accommodate those numbers. They've been preparing for weeks in order to have sufficient amounts of food and products in order to accommodate the large influx of people.

“You're trying to figure out how to stock,” Woodstock Oasis Owner Mark Moore stated.

As of yesterday, he created a smaller menu that patrons can order from because, in addition to customers stopping on their way through Bethel, he will also have limited camping behind the business. “I don't really know what to expect,” he added.

Bethel Market Cafe Owner Tara Brust is also another business owner who is gearing up for the celebration weekend. Similar to Moore, she has prepared by ordering extra supplies and products to get ready for the crowds of people.

Not only are local businesses embracing the spirit of Woodstock, but national websites are too. On Thursday, Dictionary.com featured “golden” as the word of the day to commemorate Woodstock and its anniversary.

“A lot of people don't necessarily know that golden is actually commemorating the 50th anniversary of a series,” Dictionary.com Social Media Manager and Freelance Reporter and Photographer Jeanne Sager said.

She adds how as a child, Woodstock “did not mean a whole lot,” however, Sager has become appreciative into her adulthood about the history and meaning behind the festival. “It was really special for me to be able to tie my day job and my home town together and give us another public acknowledgement,” she said.

In addition to the word of the day, Dictionary.com also published a short seven minute film, shot by Sullivan County photographer Kevin Ferguson, called “Words of Woodstock.”

The Woodstock Anniversary is also being celebrated by many local Sullivan County residents. Musicians Bob Dalessandro and Johnny Jules will be playing music at Hector's Inn throughout the festival weekend, among other artists.

“We put together a lot of bands,” Dalessandro said. He has curated a total of 30 bands that will play at Hector's Inn throughout the anniversary weekend, and he has been organizing musical acts at the establishment for around 30 years. “It's a lot of work and I am exhausted by the end of it, but it's a lot of fun,” he added.

“We do this every year and you'll see there's a magic here,” Jules stated. “It's not all about the profit. Two things that are not in harmony with the Woodstock spirit are greed and ego,” he added.

Although businesses scramble in attempts to please visitors coming into the county, the message of “Peace, love, and music” that the festival sent to the world is still in the hearts of those who experience Woodstock, whether it was in person during the three day event, or through photographs and film.