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Glamour's Women of the Year
Country Concert off to rousing start
Thousands are expected to come to Shelby County to see acts like tonight's headliner, Kenny Chesney.
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Friday, July 11, 2008
FT. LORAMIE, Shelby County — Thousands of country music fans from throughout the region streamed into the Hickory Hill Lakes campground and RV park Thursday, July 10, for the opening of what may well be one of the nation's biggest outdoor festival of its kind.
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce recently estimated the annual event — now in its 28th year — draws $10 million to $12 million in new money into the county during the four-day weekend, according to concert spokesman Jim Prenger.
About 77,000 are expected to attend this year's event, with about 12,000 staying overnight on the 500-acre campgrounds, Prenger said.
Pulling them in is a lineup of more than 20 national acts, including country music's reigning Entertainer of the Year, Kenny Chesney, who headlines tonight's bill.
Prenger said Chesney is bringing a support staff of about 100 people who will arrive in a caravan of 10 buses and 11 semis. He's also expected to erect a 45-foot video screen, in addition to the stage's existing 27-foot screen.
Amanda Thomas, a Miami University senior, had one artist she wanted to see the most: "Kenny Chesney, of course."
Thomas of Columbus was in attendance with her sister, as well as MU seniors Leighanna Miller of Bradford, Sarah Troll of Columbus, and Kelly Patrick of Fairborn.
All but Miller, who has attended two Country Concerts, are newbies to the Hickory Hill Lakes experience.
Why did she want to bring her friends this year?
"It's just a fun atmosphere," Miller said. "People go out of their way to be nice."
Contact the reporter at (937) 225-7309 or csimmons@DaytonDailyNews.com.
What: Country Concert at Hickory Hill Lakes.
When: Continues today, July 11, through Sunday, July 13; grounds open at 8 a.m.
Where: Hickory Hill Lakes campground and RV park, 7103 Ohio 66, just south of Ft. Loramie, in Shelby County.
More information: Call (937) 295-3000 or go to www.country
concert.com.
TODAY'S SCHEDULE
Acts in bold performing on the Main Stage
4 p.m.: Lady Antebellum
6 p.m.: Jake Owen
7 p.m.: Blaine Larsen in the Saloon
8 p.m.: Tracy Lawrence
9 p.m.: Blaine Larsen in the Saloon
10 p.m.: Kenny Chesney
