The curtain has closed on this year's Boots and Hearts music festival.
The four days at Burl's Creek were dominated by music — and the weather.
Sun-drenched fans had to stay hydrated and look for shade as temperatures reached the low 40s when the humidex was factored in.
Then, on Sunday evening — just before Shania Twain was to take the main stage — the venue had to be evacuated amid fears of a fierce incoming storm.
Fortunately, for the thousands of country music fans, the delay was brief and the show went on. Canada's queen of country music began her 90-minute set about an hour late, but she didn't disappoint, belting out most of her hits during an energetic conclusion to this year's festival.
Officials say attendance numbers were comparable to pre-pandemic Boots and Hearts festivals.
An official said between 35,000 to 40,000 fans attended concerts at Burl's Creek over the weekend. An official said "daily ticket sales averaged 5,000 to 6,000" more than pre-pandemic events.
The popular event, its fans explain. has an 'unmatched' atmosphere that keeps many returning to Burl's Creek year after year.
Police officials were not able to provide any details in time for this story about the volume and/or severity of calls related to the festival this weekend.
