Country Concert kicks off despite tough economy

FORT LORAMIE - The economy may be rough but that's not stopping thousands of people from descending upon rural Shelby County this weekend for the 29th annual Country Concert at Hickory Hill Lakes.

Vendors and other workers spent much of the day Thursday preparing for the masses. Even after the gates opened late in the afternoon, vendors were putting the finishing touches on their booths, food stands and trailers.

All said they were looking for strong sales this weekend.

"As long as the register keeps ringing life is good. As soon as it stops, we'd be in trouble," said Jim Bassett, of Youngstown, from his trailer selling assorted cowboy hats. "Business is down, expenses are up. Everybody who travels does it because you have to go where the business is."

Beth Wright, of Elyria, is in her second year traveling with a concessions company. It's her first year at the Country Concert. Wright said she's optimistic for a strong weekend.

"At these events people are going with money to spend. If the economy's bad you're not going to cut out everything," Wright said. "You may cut back a little throughout the year but you're going to allow yourself something. We're Americans. That's what we do."

Some vendors were not only prepared to make some sales, they were coming prepared for the expected hot weather this weekend.

Lori Sell, of Wapakoneta, said the Pizza Hut tent at the rear of the concert grounds would have an inflatable pool ready for performances on Friday.

"It's a long weekend, but it's fun," Sell said. "I can see the stage pretty well from back here."

The annual four-day concert event kicked off Thursday with performances by Joey & Rory, Little Big Town and Sugarland. Blake Shelton, Montgomery Gentry, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Julianne Hough and Rodney Atkins are among the other acts scheduled to perform through Sunday.