So the official numbers are in.

CMA Music Festival — despite high gas prices and heat — drew 9.4% more people here this year than last.

I, of course, attribute that in whole to the first-time presence of Jessica Simpson! She is pictured here with Nashville’s Ellis Woodall III, snapped by Jim Hagans for the CMA.

I’m not sure the CMA would agree with me, but regardless of the reason, good on the CMA, whcih crowed.

“Even with gasoline prices around $4 a gallon and weak economic conditions around the country, we saw an increase in our attendance on every level from local and regional participation to those fans that traveled from around the world,” said CMA Chief Executive Officer Tammy Genovese.

“I believe that speaks to the strength of the event, the popularity of our artists, the dedication of our fans, and the entertainment value of the Festival.”

The average daily attendance in 2008 was 52,000, compared to 48,000 last year.