HUNTINGTON, W.Va (WSAZ) -- A pair of country music bands, numerous vendors and thousands of football fans will converge on downtown Huntington on Thursday, Sept. 9, to celebrate HerdFest 2010, a concert and street festival preceding the Marshall-WVU football game.

"We are really excited about HerdFest 2010 and we’re expecting a great crowd of Marshall and WVU fans to come together and enjoy this free concert and the street fair, just as they did three years ago,” said Tish Littlehales, Marshall’s Director of Alumni Relations.

HerdFest begins with a street fair at 5 p.m. on 3rd Avenue in front of Pullman Square.

A free concert, featuring country, southern rock, and bluegrass fusion band, the Davisson Brothers Band, and multi-platinum-selling national recording artists, Little Texas, will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Gov. Joe Manchin, as well as Marshall University coaches and officials, have been invited to speak to the crowd between musical performances. Marshall’s cheerleaders and Marco will be on hand.

The game between the Thundering Herd and the Mountaineers kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10 at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

Littlehales also is encouraging fans and supporters from both schools to attend the Friends of Coal Game Day Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10 at the Marshall University Foundation Hall, Home of the Erickson Alumni Center.

Former Marshall Coach Bobby Pruett and former WVU Coach Don Nehlen will be featured speakers.