Even before the main event began, RVs, caravans and cars filled with musos piled through the gates of the Kyabram Showgrounds in pursuit of two things: country music and a good time.
While the weather was tepid and overcast on Saturday, November 9, the atmosphere was anything but as patrons who days earlier parked their RVs across the field of the showgrounds, made their way to the main stage, set up their chairs and settled in for a weekend of great music.
Waiting in the wings to head on stage were country musicians such as Lance Birrell, Owen Blundell, Don Costa and Sandie Dodd.
They were set to entertain a diverse crowd that ranged from local Allan St residents to dedicated fans who had travelled all the way from north-east Queensland.
Festival chairman Allan Weeks said it was great to see RVs flocking through the gates, and musos enjoying another year of country tunes.
Mr Weeks revealed a staggering increase in attendance, with the number of RVs skyrocketing from 180 last year to an impressive 300-plus this year.
The Kyabram 1st Scouts also did well, with their stall selling cold drinks and ice creams.
The stall is an annual fundraiser for the youth group and is popular among festival-goers looking for a cold treat.
“We love getting out into our community ... it’s great because it exposes the kids to this music that they usually wouldn’t listen to, and they get to meet all sorts of people,” leader Karen Brumby said.
One such person was Brian Proctor, visiting from Swan Hill, who hoped to catch up with Rod and Rhonda Owen — a musical pairing who frequent country music festivals for walk-ups.
He said he had come to the festival alone, but along the way had met some great people who had made the journey worth it.
From line dancing to walk-up musicians who wowed audiences and an incredible line-up of true country stars, journalist Jemma Jones was there to capture all of it.