Lynn Adair
PRYOR — Let the music and the fun begin!
CMT’s “Trick My Truck,” a rodeo, and of course...a concert with country music superstars are some of this year’s events at Country Fever.
Vendors and guests were setting up Wednesday at the Catch the Fever grounds in preparation for one of Oklahoma’s most anticipated events.
Dave Goencke, general manager of Country Fever, said there will be about 70 vendors and exhibits this year. He anticipates between 70 and 80,000 people to attend the four-day event which begins at 1 p.m. today.
“We have some things that are new this year which we hope will include good weather. It’s rained every year since Country Fever began,” he said.
A production crew from Country Music Television (CMT’s) Trick My Truck began shooting a segment for the show Wednesday.
Jason Morgan, executive producer of Trick My Truck, said the one-hour show remakes a truck that belongs to a deserving person. The segment which is being shot at Country Fever will be a little different, he said.
“We’re providing an International CXT and a recreational vehicle to Country Fever fans for an ultimate tail gating party,” he said, noting the truck is a classic because not very many have been made.
The crew began working on the truck in March and chose Country Fever to film the show and make the presentation.
“We wanted to pick the right kind of venue and when we were contacted about Country Fever, we thought it would be perfect for the show,” he said.
Morgan said the crew has made stops at the Tulsa Airport but this is the first time Trick My Truck has been filmed in Oklahoma.
“We’re just amazed that there is so much going on here with the concerts, the bull riding and other events, and the people have been fantastic,” he said.
Morgan said the show will air on CMT on Aug. 25.
Country Fever is also featuring bull riding sanctioned by the Mid-Western Bull Riders Association, the Thunderbolt Poker Challenge, a mechanical bull riding contest, a Buffalo Bill performance by Jack Butrum, performances by Hollywood Yates, a cowgirl calendar contest, and a karaoke contest. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis for $5. The events are open only to Country Fever ticket holders.
The musical line-up includes over 30 national and regional artists including Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Travis Tritt, Joe Nichols, Sawyer Brown, Neal McCoy, John Corbett, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Chris Cagle, and more.
The facilities include over 3,000 assigned and numbered seats, as well as general admission on the lawn for over 40,000 people. The grounds also feature over 2,000 campsites, on site parking, bathroom facilities, a convenience store, and overnight security.
Jeff Cantey, owner of Cantey Security Inc., is providing security for Country Fever. Security will be provided 24 hours a day during the four-day event, he said.
“We think things will go smoothly. We’re prepared for just about anything.
“With the exception of last year’s tragedy when a child died after being run over by a vehicle, everything else went well,” Cantey said.
Josh Reasor, the title sponsor of the event, said Reasor’s General Store will be located on the Catch the Fever grounds for those who wish to purchase soft drinks, chips, lawn chairs, smoothies and other items including Krispy Kreme donuts. The store will be open 24-hours a day.
“This is our first year to operate the store. We’re just excited to be a part of this,” he said.
“It’s awesome. It’s quite an event.”
