Fans are taking it easy

MORRISTOWN - It was a calm start to the second day of the annual Jamboree in the Hills country music festival Friday.

With temperatures reaching the mid-70s and the threat of rain, JITH Medical Director Cara Gazdik noted that the festival-goers were "taking it easy."

"(Thursday) wasn't too bad either," Gazdik said. "I think we only saw 40 patients."

She added that patient visits were "way down" from years before, and credited the comfortable temperatures as part of the cause.

"We've only used two cases of IV fluids so far. Last year by this time, we had used nine or 10 to treat dehydration," Gazdik said. "I don't know if it was a quieter crowd or because it wasn't as hot as usual, but we're prepared for the rest of the weekend."

Gazdik added that with big names like Big & Rich, who performed Friday night, and Toby Keith, who will take the stage today, crowds tend to get "worse at night."

"We have six physicians, four squads and 24 EMS. We are prepared," Gazdik said.

Prior to the start of the music Friday, fans spent the early part of the day tailgating in the parking lot and inside festival grounds.

Bret Skinner from Baltimore, Md., and Kevin Coulon from Lynn, Mass., traveled to Belmont County to set up camp for four days and to "have a good time."

"This is my second year," Skinner said, adding that he looks forward to meeting new people, enjoying the food and listening to the music.

"Last year was supposed to be my first year, but this year is," Coulon said. "I've been planning this trip for a year."

Playing beer pong and relaxing by their inflatable pool in the camp grounds were Mike Troutman and Brad Swanson, both from Jamestown, N.Y.

"This is our first year here, but we're experienced tailgators," Troutman said, indicating the setup around his recreational vehicle.

"I'm just here to enjoy the experience," Troutman added.

Inside the gates, early concert-goers were enjoying the food vendors and the merchandise for sale.

"We traveled from Charleston, S.C., to set up our booth," Scott Gaskina of the Country Grill and BBQ said. "People like the barbecue ribs and smoked turkey legs. I think the southern cooking fits in well with the country music."

Melissa Seltzer of Jonestown, Pa., took some time out to try on a cowboy hat or two.

"I'm here with my mother Joyce Myers and her friends to celebrate her retirement," Seltzer said.

Seltzer was joined by Jack Bingaman of Annville, Pa., and Dave Beacham of Hummelstown, Pa., who rode their Harley Davidson motorcycles to Jamboree, as well as Barb Garra from Harrisburg, Pa., and LaDawn Schaeffer of Tremont, Pa.

"So far it's been worth the drive," Bingaman said. "We're looking forward to the entertainment."

"Professional and amateur," Seltzer added.

The festival will continue tonight with performances by Toby Keith, the Steve Miller Band, Lee Ann Womack, Neal McCoy, The Chris Higbee Project, Stephen Cochran, Mayf Nutter, The Fabulous Bender Boys and Eric Church.

(Lauttamus may be contacted at bsadler@heraldstaronline.com.)