The Black River Coliseum parking lot became the temporary home Wednesday to 140 RVs scheduled to camp at Brick’s Offroad Park for the weekend.
Due to the record-setting rainfall, Brick’s Offroad Park coordinated with Butler County Emergency Manager Robbie Myers to redirect the vehicles temporarily. They are here to attend the Rock the Country concert Friday and Saturday.
The designated parking area at Brick’s was too muddy to accommodate the large vehicles. For the diverted campers, water trucks were brought in and the restrooms at the BRC were made available.
Myers does not anticipate any further impact to the concert and expects the 140 RVs will be able to check in to the park Thursday.
“That was the alternate site we came up with,” Myers said after meeting with Poplar Bluff first responders. “It was not a big problem.”
The 140 RVs are the first wave of an estimated 7,000 people camping at Brick’s for the weekend in addition to regular attendees.
After check-in, the RVs must remain on-site at the park until Sunday to prevent traffic congestion.
Misty and Brian Hensley traveled to Poplar Bluff from Troy, Missouri, were among those redirected to the Coliseum.
“They told us that we won’t be able to get in until 8 a.m., (Thursday) because of the weather,” Misty said. “But this gives us a chance to explore Poplar Bluff a little bit more.”
Neither Misty nor her husband have any familiarity with the city of Poplar Bluff, and they expressed some disappointment that they wouldn’t be able to come and go from the venue to explore the city.
“It would have been nice if we would be able to come and go after setting up our camper,” Brian remarked. “We understand it’s a safety issue, so we aren’t complaining.”
Brian went on to say that he knew before arriving in town that they wouldn’t be setting up camp immediately.
“One thing I absolutely cannot complain about is the communication,” Brian remarked. “The organizers for this event have been so good about texting updates every step of the way. We knew ahead of time that we would be spending the night in the parking lot here. The communication has been excellent.”
The couple said they plan to visit a few establishments while they wait.
“We’re veterans, so we will patronize anywhere that benefits veterans,” Brian noted.
“Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we’ll be in the clear,” Misty stated. “I am so excited to see Hank Williams Jr., and Travis Tritt. I can’t wait for this.”
The Rock the Country event will open for parking at noon Friday; and Uncle Kracker, Travis Tritt, and Jason Aldean will perform Friday night. Saturday night will see Hank Williams Jr., and Kid Rock headlining the evening. Numerous other artists will also perform both Friday and Saturday. Thousands of people are expected to attend.