Rock The Country on horizon: Authorities partner to ensure safe atmosphere

Apr. 17—COALTON — A two-day festival expected to bring tens of thousands of people to Boyd County is around the corner, putting authorities on alert.

Noise of machinery, metal clanking and construction workers from all across the United States filled the area of the concert setting Wednesday, piecing together a 55-foot-high, 40-foot-wide stage layout and fencing.

A large field extending out from the stage is located along Addington Road between U.S. 60 (past the Boyd County Fairgrounds) and the Industrial Parkway.

A massive crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 people is expected, according to Boyd County Sheriff Jamie Reihs.

"Our No. 1 priority is the citizens of Boyd County and the safety of the people. Whether it's the kids out at dances or the people that live in areas this potentially could affect," he said.

"We are going to be on the premises, the campground ... we are going to be enforcing all laws that may or may not be broken. You always run the risk with alcohol, but that's with anything," he added.

Christopher "Brooklyn:" Stella, staging technician coordinator, from Brooklyn, New York, said many workers came in Saturday and began building the stage Sunday.

"Three 10-hour days got us to here," he said on Wednesday morning.

Many different departments working on piecing the bash together are making great progress, Stella said, besides the finishing touches, crews are on schedule for the event to take place without a delay.

"Everything has gone on time so it has been great," he said.

"Every show is different so you always plan for it to be a little weird and roll with the punches. Sometimes you have to row the boat harder to get it home, but everybody rose and we are getting there," he added.

The tour began in Gonzales, Louisiana, on April 5, drawing more than 30,000 festival goers. A similar crowd is expected to come to northeastern Kentucky to see the following lineup:

Friday, April 19

Noon: Parking opens

3 p.m.: Doors open

* Dee Jay Silver between all sets

4 p.m.: Kyle Fields

5 p.m.: Sadie Bads

6 p.m.: Travis Tritt

7:45 p.m.: Miranda Lambert

9:30 p.m.: Jason Aldean

Saturday, April 20

Noon: Parking opens

3 p.m.: Doors open

* Dee Jay Silver between all sets

4 p.m.: Elvie Shane

5 p.m.: Gavin Adcock

6 p.m.: Nelly

7:45 p.m.: Brantley Gilbert

9:30 p.m.: Kid Rock

Public officials and Kentucky State Police have released guidance on traffic routes, vehicle and camper searches, and parking. Those who are using Rideshare are requested to use the entrance from U.S. 60 (Exit 181 from I-64) and those who are utilizing weekend parking should use the Addington entrance from the IP (Exit 179 from I-64).

Out of many calls made to make sure the event rolls smoothly, Reihs said he contacted Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre — an officer who coordinated law enforcement at the last festival in Louisiana.

"It's hard to compare, but at least you have a generalized idea of some of the problems they did have or didn't have," he said.

Six arrests were made over the span of two days in Gonzales, according to Reihs. More medical than law enforcement calls were made for dehydration issues and reports of congested traffic were seen in Gonzales, he added.

"Everybody is just coordinating things and pitching in and helping. We are excited with things like these, but we know too with these big venues there is potential for things to happen," Reihs said.

He believed the event will serve as a "stepping stone" for more festival-type events to come to town.

"This is very brand new to everybody in Boyd County," Reihs said. "To deal with a venue this magnitude, it's a great learning tool and stepping stone for us to have, regardless of what it may bring in.

"Just use common sense and be polite to others," he advised. "There may be people at this venue that are not going to be drinking. We want everybody to have a good time and be responsible."

Lisa Willison, of Newburg, Indiana, was in the RV/vehicle search site and said she traveled about five hours for the concert to mark a birthday she said she won't forget.

"We follow Jason Aldean; we've probably seen him 15 to 20 times in concert, we are fans. It's my birthday present," she said.

"The check-in process has been smooth," she added. "I'm glad they are doing this security check to protect everybody and to protect the artists. I am a former police officer so I believe in safety for everyone."

Diamond Lewis, owner of Oasis Point RV Resort and Adventure, is offering a 15-passenger shuttle service to those staying at the campground. In a Facebook post, he pulled a "marketing" stunt, showcasing a helicopter, which he said was false, but just to "pull at" people's thoughts.

"It's a blessing to have this concert come to the area. It's a great blessing for our community," Lewis said.

A man working on corralling barricades in front of the stage Wednesday said the concert may turn political.

"They opened up with '(expletive) Joe Biden' and the crowd went crazy (in Gonzales)," he said. "... It's a Trump Rally."

All traffic patterns for the event will be under the control and directed by Kentucky State Police.

"They've called some extra troopers in to deal with that side of it, so we can focus our efforts on the inside and around the venue," Reihs said.

"We will have some other local agencies up there in addition to our guys that are helping us with the crowd and issues that could arise up there," he added.

Traffic flow

All inbound traffic to the festival will be directed to the Industrial Parkway (Ky. 67) for access to Addington Road, according to the Ashland-Boyd-Catlettsburg office of Emergency Management.

Traffic arriving northbound from I-64 Exit 179 will make a right turn on Technology Drive, which will bring vehicles to North Commerce Drive, that leads to Addington Road. Traffic arriving southbound from U.S. 23 will turn right on Green Valley Drive and proceed to Addington Road. KSP will direct traffic at each intersection.

Vehicles are not authorized to be on U.S. 60 to Addington Road, except for Rideshare, licensed taxi/bus services, designated and recognized shuttle vehicles.

No vehicle traffic will be allowed on Straight Creek except for local residents and emergency personnel.

When departing, concert goers will be routed Addington Road to U.S. 60 or the Industrial Parkway (Ky. 67). According to a press release, all traffic leaving U.S. 60 must turn right onto U.S. 60 that will lead vehicles to I-64 East or West to their destination. No left turns from Addington Road onto U.S. 60 are permitted.

According to Boyd Tourism, all Rideshare, shuttles and drop-offs need to use Exit 181 from I-64 to enter U.S. 60 and Addington Road.

Parking

Parking opens at noon each day and festival doors will follow at 3 p.m and a recommendation of arriving early is made due to the inevitable traffic jam expected to worsen as the day progresses, Boyd Tourism said.

Vehicle/RV search area

A search through all RVs and vehicles is to be administered for weapons, Eric Ross, Boyd County Sheriff's deputy said. Campers began rolling in Wednesday morning and the sheriff's office is advising all festival goers to remove all weapons from their vehicles before arriving.

Beginning today, there will be a $50 fee for them to hold your weapons, Ross said.

"If you bring it up here, they are taking them and locking them in a safe and you cannot get it back until you leave the festival," he said.

Wristbands

People attending the concert are asked to have wristbands on and registered upon arrival. According to the Boyd County Tourism and Convention, the bands cannot be removed or transferred.

Visitors are asked to not put the bands on too tightly. They cannot be loosened when tightened, the bureau said.

People who may have questions about their order can stop by the help tent at every entry gate.

Local, state and other agencies will be assisting in guidance throughout the weekend, Reihs said.

"We've been working on this since November of last year — had a whole lot of meetings on planning and emergency management," said the sheriff. "We have a bunch of teams together with law enforcement and EMS."