Tritt closes out Thunder USA: Big-name acts, good weather help make event a success


BY LIZA BERGER
KENOSHA NEWS

RANDALL – Country Thunder USA rumbled to a close Sunday night, after four days of top-flight country performers and fair weather that helped keep events running smoothly.

 

Travis Tritt rounded out the lineup Sunday night.

 

Performing hits “Put A Little Drive in Your Country,” “Take It Easy” and “I’m Going to Be Somebody,” he raised the energy of the crowd after a score of big-name talent.

 

“Have a good time, people. We’re gonna get high tonight,” he roared.

 

The Charlie Daniels Band, a group that spans decades, played hits like, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” and “Long-Haired Country Boy.”

 

Earlier in the night, Phil Vassar stirred up the crowd with hits like “Carlene” and “My Next 30 years.” Wearing a cowboy hat and a top cut off at the arms, he energized the audience with many popular tunes. When he left the stage, the crowd cheered him back where performed Bill Joel’s “Piano Man.”

 

These performers put the finishing touches on a festival that combined new and seasoned musicians such as Willie Nelson, Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn and Martina McBride.

 

According to festival promoter, Larry Barr, it was the most successful festival in its 11-year history in terms of attendance and things running smoothly.

 

“If I could duplicate it for the next 10 years, I would,” said Barr, who estimated that 125,000 to 130,000 people came to the show over the four days.

 

One of the main reasons the festival was so successful, he said, was because of the weather. Temperatures were mild, and there was no rain, even on Sunday when overcast skies loomed all day. The skies cleared up just in time for Daniels and held for Tritt.

 

There were some law enforcement problems Sunday, according to Sgt. Mark Levin of the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department. Authorities were called for battery and theft problems, but there was nothing too major and nothing got out of control, he said.

 

Sunday was the slowest day of the festival in terms of attendance, Barr said. Only 25,000 people came out, but Barr said that is to be expected on the last day of a four-day event.

 

“Four days doesn’t seem like a lot until you have to live it,” Barr said.

 

Campers were pulling out Sunday, and by the end of the night, vendors were gathering up their wares. Concessions were still busy late into the night.

 

Jim and Kristen Rymarcusuk of Lake Zurich were at the auction tent before Tritt came on, picking up a Harley-Davidson jacked they bid on for $130. The couple, who camped out for four days with some friends, planned on leaving after Tritt because Jim had to be at work Monday at 7 a.m.

 

They said they were sad that the festival was over but after four days they were ready to return to the real world.

 

“Ready to shower; can’t wait ‘till next year,” Jim said.

 

Other people said they thoroughly enjoyed the festival. Mike Rossetti of Powers Lake has been to Country Thunder every year since it started. This year he had so much fun he said he is getting VIP seats and preferred camping spots for next year.

 

He said he likes coming, especially since it is so close to his home.

 

“It’s good to see the neighbors out and about,” he said.