Visitors are already converging on the city of Jamestown, gearing up for the 32nd annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, a five-day event that embodies the vision of America's favorite redhead for her hometown.

"Encouraging people to come out and see the best of live comedy performed," said Journey Gunderson, executive director, National Comedy Center.

The festival includes more than 50 live events at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, the Lucy Desi Museum Playhouse and the National Comedy Center, a partially state funded major multimillion-dollar tourist attraction celebrating its fifth anniversary.

What You Need To Know

  • The annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival kicks off Wednesday

  • Gabe Iglasis and Taylor Tomlinson headline more than 50 live events

  • The festival coincides with the National Comedy Center's 5th anniversary

"For Jamestown, New York and the National Comedy Center to join a list that includes Walt Disney World and Disneyland says everything you need to know about the National Comedy Center living up to expectations," said Gunderson.

This year's festival headliners include comedian Gabriel Iglesias and funny woman Taylor Tomlinson.

Ticket sales for this economic blockbuster represent visitors from nearly all 50 states and Canada.

Visitors like the Shniers from Toronto, at the comedy props table, who spent hours at the center enjoying a mix of rising stars and comedy legends.

"Robin Williams, his skits were great," said Paul Shnier.

"No, it's nothing we've seen in a museum. I think it's important to laugh. Life is serious. Too serious at times. We enjoy laughing. We're a very funny family," said Elissa Shnier.

Steven Tatsak of Indiana is gearing up to revisit the 70s and 80s.

"Great to be here and part of comedy history. Definitely, Rodney Dangerfield. Watching TV, Carol Burnett. Great comedians like Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder, Gilda Radner. Saturday Night Live," said Tatsak.

He and his group also took in the recently added Johnny Carson experience, as well as a walk through the archives of George Carlin.

Two young men from Buffalo join other kids and teens who Gunderson says will enjoy free admission this summer.

"It is very kid friendly. The National Comedy Center content and exhibits truly resonate with every age cohort," said Gunderson.

The festival runs Aug. 2-5.

Lucille Ball was born Aug. 6, 1911, died in April 1989, and is buried at Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown.