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Story by Phil Bonyata Well pardners, the country party of the summer just came to an end last Sunday night and the memories caste will surely bring the faithful back next year like spawning salmon returning to their place of birth. Country Thunder has turned into the Lollapalooza of country music fests. If you are a country music fan than you were probably one of the 33,268 cowboys and cowgirls here enjoying the sweet twangs, cool rhythms and back country beats of Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Dwight Yoakam, Aaaron Lewis, Big & Rich, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and many other talented artists.We've had a two month drought and scorching heat in these parts, but local legend has it that it always rains big on Country Thunder (no matter what) and sure enough the skies opened up and drenched the fest just as campers were pitching their tents the night before opening day. But, as the mud tuned to clay festival goers were treated to a sold-out festival full of world-class country music (featured on three different stages), mechanical bull riding, the human slingshot, helicopter rides, kickass food and all the western wear and doohickeys one could hope for. The after-hours Electric Thunder stage featured Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Big Kenny of Big & Rich, Two Foot Fred and GAC's Storme Warren partying it up with the fans like a backyard barbecue fit for a hillbilly king. Second to the music (or first for many) the focus in on the PARTY! Country Thunder is like Spring Break on steroids. Even Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and partying, would probably have raised an eyebrow while strolling through the campgrounds and witnessing the provocative shenanigans going on at any given time of the day. But, that is the allure for many who make the trek back to tiny Twin Lakes, Wisconsin every year and that many call their favorite weekend of the year. The Roys probably said it best "Country Thunder is such a cool festival. You have something for everyone from artists like us that play Bluegrass/Country, from the traditional sound of Country and the more rocking stuff. A good time for all who love music, food and hanging out with friends." For everything Country Thunder and to order 2013 tickets visit www.countrythunder.com. |
 Jason Aldean (PS) |
 Jason Aldean (TM) |
 Jason Aldean (TM) |
 Jason Aldean (TM) |
 Jason Aldean (PS) |
 Dwight Yoakam (TM) |
 Dwight Yoakam (TM) |
 Dwight Yoakam (PS) |
 Dwight Yoakam (PS) |
 Dwight Yoakam (TM) |
 Dwight Yoakam (PS) |
 Dwight Yoakam (TM) |
 Toby Keith (PB) |
 Toby Keith (PB) |
 Toby Keith (PB) |
 Toby Keith (PB) |
 Toby Keith (PB) |
 Toby Keith (PB) |
 Big & Rich (TM) |
 Big & Rich (TM) |
 Big & Rich (TM) |
 Big & Rich (TM) |
 Blake Shelton (TM) |
 Blake Shelton (TM) |
 Blake Shelton (TM) |
 Blake Shelton (TM) |
 Blake Shelton (PS) |
 Blake Shelton (PS) |
 Blake Shelton (TM) |
 Luke Bryan (TM) |
 Luke Bryan (TM) |
 Luke Bryan (TM) |
 Luke Bryan (PS) |
 Luke Bryan (TM) |
 Casey James (PB) |
 Casey James (PB) |
 Casey James (PB) |
 Casey James (PB) |
 Aaron Lewis (PS) |
 Aaron Lewis (PS) |
 Aaron Lewis (PS) |