In its history, the 5-H Ranch in Jackson has seen its share of events. This Saturday, the grounds will be covered with campers, music lovers, friends and families from all over as the fourth annual John D. Hale Barn Party commences.

For this year's event, Liz Hale, coordinator of the barn party, said they have moved the party to accommodate a growing fan base.

"We've moved it to another section, which is great," Hale said. She said the move has taken a lot of planning and organization, but it has been worth it.

The move was prompted by the growth of the festival. This year's event is expected to draw twice what last year's did, and the campers alone outnumber those from the last three years combined.

"Basically, we're utilizing pretty much the whole farm for this party," Hale said.

This year's event may have outgrown its previous location on the ranch, but it still remains a family-centered social event.

"It is a big party; there is alcohol served, but we're a 'family' family," Hale said. "We have three small kids, and we want it to be enjoyable for all ages."

Hale said the center of the event is friends and family and that every year they have had the party, they have made new friends who come back.

"Something I pride the event on is that for the last three years, people have come out and respect the property and respect us; this is where we live, too, and people are just amazing," Hale said. "Everybody that has come to the event over time has become our friends."

The organizers look out for the attendees and work with local businesses to ensure that everyone is safe.

"Last year, we had Designated Drivers on call. We're very adamant about not drinking and driving," Hale said. "My mother-in-law has driven people home before at 1 or 2 in the morning."

The entertainment has always featured local and regional acts, and has been centered on the John D. Hale Band. For this event, they are joined by Texas act Cody Canada & the Departed. Canada is the former frontman for Cross Canadian Ragweed.

In addition to the Texas troubadours, the barn party features Powder Mill from Van Buren, Mo., the Duke Leisure Band from Wisconsin, Matt Stell & the Crashers from St. Louis and local acts Dromedary Kush and Evan Webb.

"When I started the event three years ago, I just said, 'Let's have a party,' and we still want people to just come and socialize," Hale said. "The field is big enough that you can be here and be sitting down in a lawn chair on the other side of the field and still have a conversation."