Another weekend of great country music is in the books, with the closing of the 2010 Craven Country Jamboree.
The weekend was not without troubles, with rain causing a multitude of problems in the campground, with wet campsites and soggy roadways.
With troubles in the campground, the slow moving traffic into the campground caused huge line-ups on the highway, with some forced to spend the night on the road on Thursday, July 15.
Problems aside, when the country music fans got to their site, fun ensued!
For many, the fun didn’t even involve the music! For some, partying in the campground was all that was necessary to make 2010 Craven a big hit. For those that made it to the grandstand, a variety of country acts awaited.
For Kathleen Elder, who was attending her second jamboree, Charley Pride was the highlight for her. Pride played to a huge crowd on Saturday afternoon, taking a song or two to warm up his voice. But once he got things rolling, he didn’t look back.
Angela Gent, who was at the festival for the first time in recent years, stated Martina McBride as her favorite part of Craven, but also enjoyed the fun times spent with friends.
Kevin Costner’s performance on Sunday evening, just ahead of headliner Kenny Chesney conjured up a variety of reviews, from the good to the bad. Costner himself acknowledged that many people must be wondering what he was doing up there!
Gerry and Dianne Bamford, from Assiniboia picked Martina McBride as their favorite but that was before they had seen Kenny Chesney.
Their son, 18 year-old Chris, enjoyed Jason Aldean the most so far. He said, “Having a good time so far. I liked last year better for performers and the years before, but I never seen Kenny Chesney yet.”
The Bamfords were in the audience when Dallas Elder from Coronach performed with the 620 CKRM Big Country Talent contestants. Tyler said, “I just want to say good luck to him. I thought he did pretty good just being up there. There was lots of good talent up there.”
Bamfords eldest son Chris didn’t get a chance to voice his opinion as he was taking advantage of the break between acts for a quick cat-nap in the sun.
According to Dianne, their 15 year-old daughter Allison had spent her days standing by the catwalk with four carnations to give out over the weekend. She was successful, handing her carnation to Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride and Kenny Chesney.
The Bamfords planned to camp together in the Family Quiet Zone but the boys were unable to get in because of the mud and just set up camp by the entrance to the grounds. Tyler said, “The spot we’re in right now, it is really dry. We went walking around and where we are is pretty nice!”
Although Bamfords did have some difficulty getting to their campground Gerry and Dianne agreed that there wasn’t much the organizers could have done and they were having a good time. “It’s been good. I think the security has done a hell of a good job out here and the police have been very lenient.” said Gerry.
The line up for the 2010 Craven Country Jamboree kicked off in the beer gardens with Neal McCoy with a packed house in attendance.
The rest of the weekend the mainstage played host to newcomers like Kal Hourd, Crystal Shawanda, Craig Moritz, the Higgins, Codie Prevost, working it’s way into Eric Church, David Nail and Luke Bryan who shared their hits.
The Oak Ridge Boys, Diamond Rio, and Charley Pride suited the bill for those who have been listening to country music for years.
Rounding things out were headliners, Miranda Lambert, Emerson Drive, Martina McBride, and the closer Kenny Chesney, complete with a Saskatchewan Roughrider introduction.
Williams and Ree were on hand to keep the laughs going and Kevin Costner. . . people got some great photos of a movie star.
Organizers for the jamboree announced Rascal Flatts as the headliner for Craven 2011 and were thrilled to sell the allotted 2011 tickets on site on Sunday and another 3000 the first day that tickets went on sale.
3000 tickets are available online for $149 plus service fees at www.cravencountyjamboree.com.
