DAVIESS CO., KY (WFIE) -
The first night of the River of Music Party, known as ROMP, is underway right now at Yellow Creek Park in Daviess County.
Has the heat hurt attendance? Despite 100 degree weather, thousands of people came out Thursday night to hear music legend Vince Gill.
Bobby Edge has been coming to ROMP since the festival started.
"It's only gotten better every year. I can bring my kiddo. I can hang out with my parents, grandparents," he said.
Roderick Moreland made the long drive all the way from California.
"The music. The people. Kentucky. You know it's always been one of those places I want to visit," Moreland told 14 News.
In the record heat, these are true bluegrass fans.
"We drove through the north Nevada desert. It was cooler in the desert. It's hotter than Denver and Denver's on fire. This is the hottest we've been so far," Moreland noted.
"It actually feels like Arizona out here. For Kentucky we're used to the humidity and it's a dry heat this year," Edge said.
These picking fans share some tips for staying cool.
"Buy extra ice and extra water," said Edge. "You have to have something to block the sun off you head."
"Air condition fans. Spraying ourselves with water and staying in the shade as much as we can," Moreland suggested.
"Like five or six people are at the showers right now. We're thinking about chasing the water truck," said ROMP goer Carter Giegerich.
ROMP officials have fans set up around the park, a misting station and of course there's a spray park to help festival goers stay cool and enjoy the show.
The festival continues Friday and so does the heat, but as Vince Gill told the crowd, it's July, it's suppose to be hot in Kentucky.
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The festival continues Friday and so does the heat, but as Vince Gill told the crowd, it's July, it's suppose to be hot in Kentucky.
