Big Valley Jamboree’s soggy start can’t dampen spirits

One of the most popular summer festivals in Alberta is back again: Big Valley Jamboree.

The country music festival runs Aug. 1 to Aug. 4 at the Camrose Regional Exhibition Grounds.

READ MORE: Alberta’s Big Valley Jamboree offers young artists big opportunity

Watch below: Some videos from Global News’ coverage of the Big Valley Jamboree on Friday.

1:10 Billy Ray Cyrus one of BVJ’s 2019 headliners

• Billy Ray Cyrus one of BVJ’s 2019 headliners
• Interview with Johnny McGuire at BVJ
• Interview with country music musician Mackenzie Porter
• Aaron Goodvin talks about the path to becoming a country musician
• BVJ has some hardcore fans
• Lots of planning goes into Big Valley Jamboree
• Family-run business keeps BVJ visitors well-fed
• Big Valley Jamboree has some very big fans

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Festival attendees didn’t seem deterred by the water. The festival’s campgrounds were soggy from months of rain, and on Wednesday more wild weather stormed through.

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Early arrivals were soaked and some vehicles got stuck.

READ MORE: Tornado warnings dropped for Red Deer and Lacombe counties

About eight per cent of the campsites have had to be relocated as a result, according to the festival. Still, the soggy start hasn’t really dampened spirits.

“We have a beach behind us,” said one attendee. “We just want to get our lawn chairs out and get having a drink.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We have a beach behind us," said one attendee. "We just want to get our lawn chairs out and get having a drink."

“It probably rains one or two days here but they’re prepared for that,” organizer Mike Anderson explained. “And it’s part of the BVJ experience.”

Anderson said the festival is doing its best to move people to drier spots and helping people whose cars need a rescue get a tow truck. Even though the festival grounds are dry, he says anyone camping on-site would benefit from a pair of rubber boots.

This year’s lineup features Brooks and Dunn, Old Dominion, Toby Keith, Kane Brown, Brett Kissel and Billy Ray Cyrus.

Watch below: Gord Steinke interviews country music superstar Toby Keith at the Big Valley Jamboree on Friday.

5:24 Interview with Toby Keith at BVJ