The rain held off, the crowds poured in, and Rock the South 2017 once again unwound its winning formula — part southern accent; part rock ‘n’ roll party — before its biggest-to-date crowd Friday evening.

Attendance numbers weren’t final Friday evening, but organizers had anticipated a 30 percent attendance boost over last year’s festival, based on advance ticket sales. The eye test appeared to confirm that projection, with Friday evening’s ocean of spectators stretching far into the infield at Cullman’s Heritage Park.

“We’re just here because we love the whole aura,” said a giddy Tracy Potts, who made the trek from Russellville with her boyfriend and family. “This is our third Rock the South, and it’s definitely gotten bigger every year. Man, as long as they keep puttin’ it on, we’ll keep coming. We love everything about it.”

“Oh, I’ve been here every year,” echoed Jax Brunnet of Cullman, who regretted skipping VIP passes this year from her perch at the very front of the general admission section. “I’m normally up ‘there’ — up at the very front — and I wish we’d done that this year. But it’s great no matter where you are. It’s just a party!”

Rock the South kicks back in gear again today when the gates reopen at noon. Weather for today’s lineup is expected to be typically June-like: sunny with highs in the mid-80s — and the possibility of a handful of scattered afternoon showers.

“Man, it don’t matter: rain’s the last thing on my mind,” said Steven Echols, a Knoxville resident with local family ties. “Let it rain if it wants to. We’ll just be out here muddin’ it up!”

Here’s video produced by Dave Warren Aerial Photography and Visual Anthony:

SATURDAY AT ROCK THE SOUTH

 

Gates open at noon at Heritage Park

 Performance Schedule

South of Heaven: 1:15

Cort Carpenter: 2:15

Ryan Follese: 3:15

Riley Green: 4:15

Muscadine Bloodline: 5:15

Chris Janson: 6:15

Maren Morris: 7:45

Sam Hunt: 11 p.m.