Don't forget to stay hydrated when attending your favorite country music festival.
Videos by Wide Open Country
That was the lesson learned by many who attended the Rock the Country traveling music festival, which took place at the Boyd County Fairgrounds in Ashland, Kentucky on July 11-12. The lineup boasted the likes of Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr., Nickelback (?), and Tracy Lawrence.
However, it does get hot and humid in Kentucky, and as the party started to escalate, so did the temperatures. The mercury rose to the high 90s. Medical professionals at the event had to treat over 300 people for heat-related illnesses.
Heat and Alcohol Don't Mix
All music festivals, including Rock the Country, supply cold drinks and great food to audiences. But according to the Cleveland Clinic, too much alcohol puts you at greater risk for dehydration. Add some sweltering heat to this combination, and things could get really dicey. Symptoms can include confusion and a lack of coordination.
Tim England, the Boyd County Emergency Management Director, told WSAZ-TV that some attendees needed attention before they entered the grounds.
"By the time the gates opened, we already had people dropping," he said.
Things Went From Bad To Worse
Throughout the two-day country music festival, England said his team had to build a second tent with more than 200 extra cots to treat those suffering from the heat.
"Over the course of the weekend, there was about 538 patient contacts that were seen in the medical tent," he added.
Here Are Some Safety Tips for Your Next Country Music Festival
When preparing for your next festival, it's important to stay safe and hydrated. Here are some things to keep in mind, per the Centers for Disease Control:
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Typically, 16 oz. per hour is a good rule.
- Carry a water bottle or a Camelbak and refill it throughout the day.
- Limit consuming beverages high in sugars and sodium, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Try to stay in the shade as much as you can.
- You don't need to dance to every song, so take breaks as often as possible.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, and sunscreen.
- Check on your friends.
- Check the color of your urine. When it's light yellow or clear, it typically indicates that you are drinking enough water.
