Good weather, strong shows and a greater variety of free performances and food stands were all contributing factors to a record year for attendance at Musikfest this year.

There was some heavy rain late Wednesday afternoon and a light shower for most of the evening, but mostly the weather had been kind for the first half of Musikfest in Bethlehem.

The 36th annual Musikfest doesn’t officially get underway until Friday at 5 p.m., but for those who can’t wait, the festival is having a preview night, tonight, featuring a main stage concert by the band Earth Wind and Fire.