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South Jordan Journal

2015 Country Fest Summer Kickoff Successful Despite Weather’s Attempt For A Wash

Jun 26, 2015 09:18AM ● By Amy Teachman

Dustin Wayne (center stage) looks at his band as the dark storm clouds brew over the audience and venue. Photo courtesy of The Wayne Hoskins Band Facebook page

Rides ligh up the South Jordan sky.

This year’s Country Fest headliner was supposed to be Wynonna Judd, but Mother Nature stole the stage and put on her own fireworks display.  The Wayne Hoskins Band entertained eager Judd fans as she prepared for her highly-anticipated South Jordan debut.  Melinda Seager, South Jordan special events manager, said, “The skies opened up and rain came pouring down, so they had to evacuate the park.”  

One concert goer posted her frustration with the weather on Judd’s Facebook fan page, stating she had been waiting several months for her to come sing at Country Fest but the weather just wasn’t having it.

Despite the disappointing finale to the three-day festival held June 3-6 at North City Park, the overall turnout was significantly up from last year. According to Seager, approximately 9,000 people attended to enjoy the rides and attractions that were showcased. The carnival rides had a different layout to accommodate new rides and game booths. New events included a root beer garden (sponsored by the South Jordan Chamber of Commerce), a parade breakfast and a food truck roundup (in cooperation with Food Truck Underground). 

Carnival goers enjoy corn dogs, lemonade and other nostalgic treats while casing the venue before the storm hit.

The food truck roundup was such a success, it supported the City’s decision to revise regulations to allow them in city limits. Seager said, “Right now, food trucks are particularly sexy and the ‘it’ thing.” People of all ages are enjoying the convenience and variety provided by the well-known food trucks, such as Waffle Love, Rita’s and Melty Way, just to name a few. The City invites specific vendors to gather in the parking lot at Mulligan’s on Wednesdays from 5 - 9 p.m.  A complete list of vendors and event calendars can be found at www.foodtruckunderground.com

Since the City does not host a fireworks show for the Fourth of July or Pioneer Days, they are currently kicking around ideas for spectators to enjoy the much-anticipated display. To answer the question about “weather” Judd will return and take the stage for her fans, the City released a statement, that Z104 FM posted on their Facebook page: “Due to the severe weather that occurred on Saturday evening, South Jordan City cancelled the Wynonna and the Big Noise concert for safety reasons. At this point, no arrangements have been made to reschedule the concert.” Regardless of Judd’s possible return for the 2016 Country Fest, Seager said the City would like to have a high-profile performer to highlight the free “Where Summer Begins” concert.      
The weather was calm June 5th, allowing brave riders to endure the seemingly endless spinning on the Spin Out. Photo courtesy of Carnival of Fun Facebook page