FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - The nation's largest musical instrument and audio gear trade show open to the public opened Friday.

Sweetwater Sound’s Gearfest kicked off Friday morning. People from all over the world flocked to the Sweetwater campus along U.S. 30 to get a peak at the newest gear, as well as watch and rub shoulders with those in the industry.

The fest is entirely open to the public and is one of few like it in the world.

Sweetwater founder and CEO Chuck Surack says seeing the wide range of people at Gearfest is something he never thought was possible.

"Well, I never could have envisioned it growing like it’s grown, but this year we’re celebrating our 40th year of being in business and it’s just so humbling and flattering to see customers from all over the country, all actually all over the world," Surack said.

The last day for Gearfest is Saturday. You can find more information about the hours and what you can expect to see there click here.