Country Thunder campers still finding ways to beat the heat

Country Thunder fans are beating the sweltering weather this weekend.

Lots of people were lined up nice and early to take advantage of some of the colder foods at the concession stands. The line for Hawaiian shaved ice and smoothies were a lot more popular than burgers and fries.

Down at the campsites, there are different set-ups for people who have their own way of keeping cool.

Dianne Boyer has been coming to Country Thunder for the past 15 years. She is tenting right now with her son and his girlfriend.

With no air conditioning, she said their best chance to cool off is to make their own shade. But tents can get blown around more easier by the wind.

“(My son) has a tent that goes in their truck, but it wasn’t panning out because it was so windy last night so we stayed in our eight-man tent,” said Boyer.

Boyer said the wind last night helped them cool off.

“All these years I have stayed in an RV so it was really nice to spend the night outside, the shade helps today. We just threw everything together and we are doing alright.”

They came prepared for the heat this weekend.

“We have a cooling blanket, we have cooling towels, we have lots of ice, and lots of water,” said Boyer.

Boyer currently has a cooling station set up on the ground where they spray cold water on themselves and lay in the shade.

Despite the heat, she said last night at the grand stand was enjoyable from a little further away.

“I enjoyed it,” said Boyer. “But it’s (a) little chaotic for older people because there is some pushing going on, it gets a little rowdy. I think that some people had a little too much to drink.”

After little to do during the pandemic, she’s stoked to be back.

“I’m glad to be back at Country Thunder, I really missed it.”

Further away, from Boyer’s campground, Kristen Pasca has a different set-up.

A trailer with a canopy makes for better shade, but the inside is also air-conditioned. Pasca said they can go in every so often and cool off. Even still, in the heat of the day, she says air conditioning can only do so much.

“Beer and shade is the best way to keep cool,” said Pasca. “But our air conditioner is not keeping up.”

Lots of campgrounds are currently occupying pools as their main cooling source. Every so often a water truck comes around to re-fill the inflatable kiddie pools if someone has tipped it or used up all the water.

Chase Biz said it’s also the best way to make sure everyone is ready to start the day.

“I threw my buddy in there this morning, and he didn’t like it, but it woke him up,” said Biz with a laugh.

Biz said that he and his friends have been taking turns going in and out of the pool all day.