Cooler temperatures made for a great day two of the 20th Annual Kicker Country Stampede at Tuttle Creek State Park.
Temperatures hovering in the 80’s mixed with a light breeze made the festival grounds a comfortable place to be Friday as thousands of country music fans turned out to see country music Stars Locash, Jerrod Niemann and Friday night headliner Florida Georgia Line.
The comfortable weather also is being credited to fewer medical related issues according to Larry Couchman, Riley County Director of Emergency and EMS Services. He explained that on Thursday the main medical tent had less than 20 patient medical contacts, and just one transport that related to alcohol intoxication Thursday night.
As of Friday evening Couchman only had one thing to report.
“Today so far we’ve had only one medical transport, an older person with heat and a medical issue had issues,” said Couchman.
He did say that if you plan on attending Country Stampede Saturday or Sunday those with underlying medical issues come prepared.
“If you have an underlying medical issue, if you have seasonal allergies, if you have asthma, take care of yourself. Bring your maintenance meds or be prepared because the environment is still warm. The sun is out, even though it’s just in the mid 80’s, that sun is pretty intense so wear appropriate sunscreen, get out of the sun when possible and drink plenty of fluids,” said Couchman.
On the security side Kurt Moldrup, Festival Security Director explained they have only had a few minor incidents.
“Really only a few problems, which is really very typical out here at Stampede, which I think people are surprised to hear, but it’s gone very well,”said Moldrup.
One thing Moldrup did want to reiterate was the festival’s zero tolerance when it comes to any alcohol violations, especially underage drinking.
“We’ve got ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control), and a lot of Law Enforcement out here and they’re writing a lot of citations for minors in possession and I think people need to remember that they’re out in force and they’re writing a lot of folks for minor in possession and alcohol violations.”
Country Stampede continues Saturday and Sunday with gates opening at 1 p.m. both days. Saturday’s headline Blake Shelton will take the stage at 9:30 pm.