Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Keith Anderson & More performed
NASHVILLE, TN - Close to 25,000 Country music lovers converged onto a picturesque Crockettsville, KY farm for country duo Halfway to Hazard's 2nd Annual Halfway to Hazard Concert & Charity Trail Ride, a weekend of music, family activities, and ATV rides on August 22-23, raising just over $200,000 for Buckhorn Children's and Family Center, an organization committed to caring for suffering children in the region.
Halfway to Hazard's Chad Warrix says, "We were hoping to just double last year's attendance of 7,500 and raise more than the $110,000. The fact we more than tripled attendance and doubled money raised this year is staggering! We applaud all the volunteers and artists for helping us in accomplishing and surpassing our goals."
Set in the beautiful Appalachian hills of Eastern Kentucky, on a volunteer-built stage crafted from the cedar trees on the grounds, Country superstar Tim McGraw flew in on a helicopter to open the show, followed by a star-studded line-up including Gabe Garcia, Krista Marie, Lee Brice, Danielle Peck, Keith Anderson, Dierks Bentley, and of course, concluded with a high-energy performance by Halfway to Hazard. Special appearances included NASCAR legend Kyle Petty, Lt. Governor of Kentucky, Daniel Mongiardo, University of Kentucky football coach, Rich Brooks, and Miss Kentucky, Mallory Ervin.
Last year Lt. Governor Mongiardo honored Warrix and Tolliver by appointing them Kentucky Colonels, an honorary title bestowed upon nominees for their service and contributions to the community as the inaugural event drew over 7,500 people and raised over $110,000 for Buckhorn Children's Center. This year, Mongiardo announced Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear named August 22 and 23, 2009 as "Halfway to Hazard Days." He also honored Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, and GAC's Storme Warren as Kentucky Colonels for their support of the event.
The ATV ride began at 10 a.m. Sunday morning, departing from Crockettsville and traveling along the East Kentucky Trail System near Buckhorn. Over 500 ATVs, UTVs, Dirt Bikes and ORVs carrying more than 1,000 participants enjoyed a beautiful action-packed day of riding, including Warrix, a native of Breathitt County, Knott County native Tolliver, Peck, and Petty. Petty laughed while riding through the thick dust clouds kicked up by the ATVs, "This is just like when there's a wreck on the racetrack. You just drive through the smoke and pray you make it safely to the other side."
The combination of events derived from Tolliver and Warrix's previous days in their respective hometowns. "I grew up in Eastern Kentucky, where riding these trails and playing music was our main source of entertainment and a way of life. Coupling a ride with a concert where we grew up while being able to give back to our community is a dream come true. Seeing all the volunteers that help make all of this happen is also pretty extraordinary." Tolliver adds, "So many people don't know how beautiful this region we call home really is. Being able to bring so many people together to enjoy what we know is here, and share the experience of good music and good ole-fashioned fun is important to us."
Halfway to Hazard is currently on a radio tour promoting their new single, "I Know Where Heaven Is," an uptempo song which evokes strong images of family, life, love, and country living. The single began impacting Country radio on July 20 and will appear on the duo's yet-to-be named sophomore album (StyleSonic/Picnic Hill Records/Bigger Picture) due out in the third quarter of 2009.
For additional information on the 2009 Halfway to Hazard Charity Trail Ride and to view media from last year's event, please visit www.h2hcharitytrailride.com.