Luke Bryan set to return
Fans should have easier time with logistics than in 2019
BALTIMORE — Friday will mark country artist Luke Bryan’s return to Fairfield County when he brings his Farm Tour 2021 to the Miller Family Farm.
Bryan also played at the farm in 2019. This year’s event is a few miles from that spot, however, at 8855 Millersport Road. It’s between Thurston and Millersport and not far from Ohio 37 but has a Baltimore mailing address.
If Friday is anything like the 2019 show, expect a lot of people and a lot of traffic. The 2019 show drew about 20,000 people and Fairfield County Emergency Management Agency Director Jon Kochis said to expect about that many on Friday.
While there were no major issues with the 2019 show, Kochis said traffic flow will be easier to control this year because of a bigger road near the venue.
“Usually with an event like this not on the main road network traffic does become an issue,” he said. “The event held in 2019 is a little bit different. We had a smaller of a road and less access. Here we have a little bit larger of a road and a bit closer to the highways. Our
anticipation is that traffic will flow a lot better.”
Kochis also said there are some improvements to the concert grounds to make it easier for people. That includes two entrances into the parking area instead of just one like two years ago.
“This time we’ll park people who come from the north on the north side and people coming from the south on the south side and potentially splitting that number in half,” Kochis said.
The parking lot opens at 2 p.m. and an item on Bryan’s website encourages fans to arrive early to beat the traffic and crowds. Fans will be searched before being allowed into the concert.
The website also said a medical tent will be near the main entrance for those needing medical assistance.
No outside food or beverages except a factory-sealed bottle of water are allowed. Coolers are also prohibited. But food and drinks, including beer, are available for sale. However, have money handy because there are no ATM machines on the grounds. Pets are not allowed, but service animals are.
It was extremely hot for the 2019 show and Friday could be the same. The National Weather Service is calling for sun and a daytime high of 83 degrees. Therefore, Kochis recommends staying hydrated with water and to be careful with alcoholic beverages.
“Just make sure that you’re aware of how you’re feeling,” he said. “There’s an adequate number of medical professionals, EMS (emergency medical service) and safety crews that are there. We did have a large number of overheating and alcohol-related issues at the last concert.
“We’d anticipate that there’d be some again with the weather the way it is. So we just encourage people to occasionally drink a bottle of water in between everything else that they’re consuming.”
Besides the county EMA, other firstresponders onsite will include the Walnut Township Fire Department and the county sheriff’s office with help from other law enforcement agencies.
“It takes a lot of different agencies to put one of these things on here at a local level,” Kochis said. “But it’s a benefit to the community. I really think that it gives people a sense of pride.”
However, as with most anything that has occurred since March 2020, the specter of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic looms over the concert.
“Obviously, it’s a concern,” Kochis said. “It’s something that we’re hoping people prepare for however they choose to prepare. But I see events like Ohio State football and other large outdoor venue events. And with the intake of alcohol people can let their guard down sometimes.
“It’s possible for people to be there and be positive for COVID and not know and be contagious. That’s the risk we’re at right now anywhere in society. Just even going to the grocery store.”
For more information and about logistics and other important items of note for the concert visit the Frequently Asked Question section at www.lukebryan.com/farm-tour.
Presale tickets are on sale at the same website. Tickets are $56 in advance and $70 at the gate. Parking is $5 in advance and $20 the day of the show.