READY TO ROCK
Countryfest 2017 delights crowd
» Country fans of all ages braved the weather to enjoy a rocking line-up at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds on Saturday for WGNA’s Countryfest 2017.
The rain did delay the concert a bit, but once it began the fairgrounds didn’t stop rocking all afternoon, even if it did rain some more during Rodney Atkins.
Walker McGuire began the day followed by Michael Ray. After Rodney Atkins performed, Randy Houser and Justin Moore closed the festival down.
Michael Ray, based in Florida, had a strong following Saturday. Ray’s “Kiss You in the Morning” reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Country Airplay chart.
Ray gave shout out after shout out to the radio station and to his fans in the crowd. He even played a new song for the attendees.
The station did a meet and greet promotion after the Michael Ray performance. Lauren Schnoor was a lucky winner after she called into WGNA to win tickets.
Schnoor was among a selected number of winners to get their picture with Michael Ray Saturday afternoon. Schnoor said Ray’s performance was amazing, and she couldn’t wait to meet him.
Deanna Austin attended Countryfest last year. When the tickets went on sale in March, she knew she had to invite her mom.
“We’re country girls,”
said Sharon Austin.
Deanna and Sharon didn’t have a particular act they were interested in, but they were excited to be at the event Saturday.
“It was great [last year]. I expect it to be great again this year,” said Deanna Austin. “It’s a fun time.”
The rain was bothersome at first, but the weather ended up great.
“There’s a cool breeze,” said Sharon Austin. “This is like perfect.”
Saturday marked the fourth straight Countryfest at Schaghticoke Fairgrounds.