Top 10 Reasons Jamboree in the Hills 2017 was my Favorite Festival of the Summer

Jamboree in the Hills (JAMBO) in Belmont, Ohio has been called the “Super Bowl of Country Music” and after going this year it was easy to see why. The festival originally began in 1977 as a two-day country music festival and this year offered a four day line-up with pre-parties starting days before and including Jamboree in the Hills favorite Neal McCoy. There is so much to enjoy about Jamboree in the Hills from the rustic barn stage setting to the photo aisle where fans can get up close to take pictures of their favorite artists. I had visited the event last year, but only for one day. But this year I was there for the complete event, from pre-party to the closing act on Sunday and believe me, I’m glad I did. If you have never been to Jamboree in the Hills here are my Top 10 Reasons why it was my favorite country music festival this summer and one you should plan on going to next year.

10. THE FOOD

Fried Oreos… Funnel Cakes… Domino’s Pizza and so much more! Who doesn’t love Festival Food… Oh, and of course Beer!

9. THE REDNECK RUN

Ready… Set … GO! Run! Run! Run! Get that Tarp down and claim your spot for the day. A very unique Jamboree in the Hills tradition that isn’t for the faint of heart or the out of shape.

8. THE COSTUMES

Donald Trump… Macho Man Randy Savage … Santa Claus even some T-Rex Dinosaurs were seen throughout the four-day festival.

7. THE VENUE

From the campground to the stage Jamboree in the Hills has its layout down and its very fan friendly.

6. THE CAMPING

Are you really getting the full effect if you aren’t camping at Jamboree in the Hills?

5. THE PEOPLE WATCHING

There’s never a dull moment at Jamboree in the Hills 2017. You see All Kinds of Kinds.

4. THE RISING STARS

Brand new artists such as fan favorite Waterloo Revival and High Valley got to showcase their talents as well at Jamboree in the Hills 2017. With the ever evolving sound of country music, it was great to see some new artists that we haven’t seen enough of yet. The contagious energy of Waterloo Revival and the melodic harmonies of High Valley make us excited to hear what’s next from both of these artists and we hope to see them back on the Jamboree in the Hills Stage soon.

3. THE NEW COUNTRY

While this new bread of country music may not sound “Country” to everyone they sure do have the country roots and influences of the past. Jamboree in the Hills 2017 may have brought some more “pop country” artists to the lineup this year such as Kelsea Ballerini, RaeLynn and Brett Young, but there is no denying that these artists are the future of country music and will one day be huge stars just like headliners Lady Antebellum, Thomas Rhett and Jason Aldean.

2. THE CLASSIC COUNTRY

With standout acts like Tanya Tucker, Sammy Kershaw and Mark Chesnutt just to name a few, there was something for everyone at Jamboree in the Hills 2017. And while the younger crowd may not have known some of these classic country tunes it definitely opened there eyes and ears to a more traditional country sound.

1. THE JAMBO TRADITION

People have been coming to Jamboree in the Hills for years and years. Some of the people I talked to had been going for 20+ years and haven’t missed a single one. Cheers to many, many more years of this awesome festival! It will be part of my summer traditions from now on!!

Jamboree in the Hills 2017