(ABC 6 News) – Country music star Luke Bryan is making a stop in Eyota on Saturday as a part of his ‘Here’s to the Farmer Tour.’
Set up started Wednesday for the concert at the Gar-Lin Dairy Farm, where they are used to having more cows than people.
Well, that’s all going to change Saturday, as 20,000 people are expected to attend the concert.
But, how are the farm and the small town of Eyota preparing for the people coming for the show?
“Set up right now is just starting to get rolling. They’re starting to deliver some equipment and it just kinda seems like it will pick up from here on out,” said Dana Allen-Tully of Gar-Lin Dairy Farm.
Wednesday afternoon, crews delivered cell towers and portable lights for the parking lot. But, preparation for Saturday’s event began months ago.
Eyota City Council Member Tyrel Clark said, “between the township, Gar-Lin, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, as soon as they heard about it they kinda kicked into gear.”
With this being the first event of this size coming to the small town, local leaders created a detailed plan with the event organizers to get concertgoers to and from the venue safely, while easing traffic as much as possible.
“They know exactly what it takes to make sure that 20,000 people are safe and they let the Olmsted County sheriffs know exactly what they want and at the same time the Olmsted County sheriffs were like this is what you do normally and this is what we need done here,” said council member Clark.
Vehicles coming from the freeway will either be directed to turn right on 40th Street SE in the parking lot or be asked to take a right turn on Knowledge Road and 125th Avenue SE to get to the parking lot.
Cars coming from town will be asked to take that route.
After the concert, cars traveling back towards I-90 will take a left out of the parking lot and another left onto County Road 42.
Those wishing to go north can take either a left or a right out of the parking lot.
Shuttle buses will also be available for the event and a designated walking path will run from 40th Street SE along 125th Avenue SE.
There are also certain things you *can’t bring to the farm.
That list includes:
- -Backpacks and purses
- Outside food and beverages
- Glass items
- Weapons of any kind
- video cameras
Things that are allowed:
- Cell phones
- Blankets and chairs.
- service animals
- Signs (limited to the size of a half-sheet of poster board)
Gar-Lin Dairy thanks everyone involved in the planning process. “They’ve been fantastic for us to work with. And probably taken on way more than what we have to do at the farm,” said Dana.
With all the stress that goes into planning, she’s excited for Luke to come, and host a tour that honors local farmers. Dana said, “With his success, he is willing to focus on production agriculture and small communities around America it’s an honor.”
This event speaks to the history of agriculture in the area.
Council Member Clark said, “We started as a stop on the railroad for agriculture, and it’s continued to be a big part of it.”
Luke Bryan will be bringing along with him Riley Green, Jameson Rogers, Peach Pickers, and DJ Rock for the show. The concert starts here at 6 pm
For more information about the event click here.
www.kaaltv.com
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism