FloydFest X wrapped Sunday, ending what is easily the 10-year-old festival’s best summer yet with sell-out crowds on Friday and Saturday, a solid lineup of performers, an expanding collection of vendors and more activities.

At age 10, the one-time “hippie festival” has settled into a comfortable middle-age with a well-honed format that defies a bad economy, steaming hot weather and daunting logistics.

After an opening-day attendance of more than 9,000. Fest officials put the Friday and Saturday sell-out crowds at 14,000 for each day and 7,000 for Sunday, a day when complimentary passes are also welcome.

Rain and fog moved in Sunday as the four-day event drew to a close but the damp weather that put an end to stifling heat did not dampen the enthusiasm of last-day attendees who enjoyed Del McCoury, Dave Grisman, Tony Rice and other bluegrass acts.

FloydFest is part of the area’s landscape, a fixture on the music and summer venue scene and a happening that rivals — and in some ways outstrips — Floyd‘s storied Friday Night Jamboree as a tourist draw.

FloydFest is a people event for all concerned. For the army of volunteers that work the festival each year it’s part of their annual routine. Workers and visitors alike plan their vacations around FloydFest.  The event is an international draw with visitors from nations near and far.

With the tent drawn on FloydFest X those who attended now look towards July 2012 and the 11th rendition of the event.

For many who attend, FloydFest is about the music. For others, it’s the arts and crafts. For still others, it’s the entire experience: music, crafts, activities, camping.

For me, FloydFest is about the people. The people have always been the show at FloydFest.

For a photographer, those who attend provide a constant visual delight. For a reporter, the attendees provide an endless stream of stories.

Some of those stories will be part of  a full wrap-up of this year’s FloydFest — along with more photos — in Thursday’s FloydPress.

Others may be told here later.

Right now, I need some sleep. It’s been a long four days.