Let's Chat About...Kick'n Up Kountry
Last weekend I attended the Kick'n Up Kountry Music Festival in Karlstad, MN. This 4-day event starts off with a Rock 'n Roll line up on Wednesday and Country Music entertainers the remaining 3 days. I signed up to be a volunteer and in return I received a 4-day general admission pass along with a primitive camping site!
A little history on Kick'n Up Kountry...It originated in 2003 and the first few festivals were located in Hallock, Minnesota. They were held over Labor Day weekend and the very 1st event was only 2 days long. In 2007, the venue relocated to Thief River Falls in hopes to draw a larger crowd with its easier access. TRF continued to host over Labor Day weekend for the next 4 years until it landed at its final resting place on Wagon Wheel Ridge near Karlstad, MN. When the event was moved to this location, the dates also changed. Instead of Labor Day weekend, it was switched to the 3rd weekend in June. Wagon Wheel Ridge has proven to be the prime location, offering a vast amount of space for parking and camping. It's also beneficial to be on this gravel ridge because when it rains, the moisture soaks into the ground, avoiding a muddy mess!
The Ridge has seen many changes and updates since they started hosting KUK. Every year they are adding something new and making updates to the current structures. The gradual slope down towards the stage provides a perfect viewing area to either stand or bring your lawn chairs and sit. There are also 2 large Jumbotron screens so everyone is able to view the performers from anywhere!
This year's event was jammed pack with great entertainment. The festival has evolved into a 4-day experience with Wednesday being the Rock 'n Roll concerts. On the big stage the first night was Firehouse, Lita Ford and Warrant. The next 3 days were all Country Bands, with concerts both in the Squeaky Spoke Saloon and on the Main Stage.
Thursday:
2:00 - Quick 56 (SSS)
5:00 - Silverado (MS)
7:00 - The Kentucky Headhunters (MS)
9:00 - Diamond Rio (MS)
Afterparty - Quick 56 (SSS)
Friday:
2:00 - Ron Moshier (SSS)
5:00 - Eli Alger & The Faster Horses (MS)
7:00 - Josh Turner (MS)
9:00 - Lady A (MS)
Afterparty - Eli Alger & The Faster Horses (SSS)
Saturday:
2:00 - Ron Moshier (SSS)
5:00 - Dariann Leigh (MS)
7:00 - Lanco (MS)
9:00 - Parmalee (MS)
Afterparty - Dariann Leigh (SSS)
For a list of all the past line ups visit Kick'n Up Kountry | Lineup (kicknupkountry.com)
Hopes, Dreams & Smiles is a program that was started by Ardell Larson in 2007. Each year Kick'n Up Kountry brings in children with a life-threatening illness to the festival. He / She can bring their parents and 1 sibling to enjoy the special treatment. Participants will ride in a limousine to the event, get front row seats and meet the performers. The KUK Board of Directors select the names from Sanford Hospital in Fargo, Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, Gillette's Children's Hospital and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. This year there were 12 recipients chosen but due to illness from their chemo treatments only 5 could attend. This project is made possible through fund raising and donations. If you are interested in helping, please click the link below.
Another highlight of KUK is the Adventure World Train Ride. It's a one of a kind trackless, tracked train that takes you through the prehistoric wonders of Jurassic Encounter, the mysterious crash of Alien Invasion, the spine-tingling infestation of Arachnophobia, the eerie swamp of Gator Attack and slithering scares of Anaconda Terror! This 30-minute adventure is available for only $5.00.
Some of the other experiences include Zip-Lining, Bull Riding and the Ferris Wheel! Lots of fun for adults and children alike.
Some of the other amenities include:
Food & Beverages
Squeaky Spoke Saloon
The Down Under
Barley Bin
Multiple Food Vendors
Shopping
Simply Boutique shop-simplyboutique.com
Infinity Permanent Bracelets infinitypermanentbracelets.com
Barber Shop
Nail Salon
The General Store
Casino
Ultimate Baja Racing
BaJa racing has become very popular in this neck of the woods over the years, and I am so glad they brought it to Kick'n Up Kountry! This event is held on Saturday at Noon and admission is free with your KUK pass. There were a lot of local drivers that I know personally, it was so fun to watch and cheer them on!
Camping at Wagon Wheel Ridge is a great way to be part of the festival! No need to drive and the sites are very close to the music so you can enjoy the show from your campsite. VIP camping is available with water & electric hookups. Or you may choose the Backwoods camping with either electric or primitive. The venue even holds a best decorated campsite competition each year with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! To order your camping tickets for next year, click the link below:
Festival Sponsors
Looking for a great way to connect with thousands of your best prospects and customers? Want to have your company’s message get seen in the clutter that makes up today’s media market? We invite you to become a part of the Kick'n Up Kountry sponsorship team.
Festivals are unique because the audience camps on-site for up to five nights. They make their home at the festival and your product or service is presented to them where they live. Sponsors benefit as being part of the lifestyle that the audience embraces. They buy because you are part of what they love to do. Creating loyal long-term customers.
Over 42% of the population identifies themselves as a country music listener according to Billboard Magazine. For the past 18 years Kick’n Up Kountry has been bringing in Country Music stars to the delight of the audience. Here is your chance to connect with that audience via cooperative print advertising rates in a pre-show flyer inserted into over 157,000 area newspapers, inclusion in radio, television and print media, on-sight promotions, on-site signage, plus tickets for employees and customers to enjoy the show.
Don't miss your opportunity to connect directly with your best prospects creating loyal customers for years to come. Contact us at sales@kicknupkountry.com or call toll free 877-542-5687
As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, I truly enjoyed volunteering for this event! Not only was I rewarded with entrance tickets, but I also got the opportunity to meet a lot of great people!! As I get older, I realize the importance of making connections. "It's not what you know, it's who you know." I have also discovered the importance of volunteering. Many functions that happed are made possible through the hard work and dedication of others. I am honored to have been a part of this great event!
If you have any input or experiences with Kick'n Up Kountry, please share in the comments below.
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