Photo by Jennifer Compston-Strough Big & Rich performs at Jamboree In The Hills on Friday night. The popular duo was followed by headliner Toby Keith.

MORRISTOWN — Thousands of fans celebrated their love of country and of country music on Friday at Jamboree In The Hills.

Patriotism seemed to be the order of the day, with attendees of all ages sporting red, white and blue gear. From T-shirts, to hats, pants, shorts, bikini tops and sunglasses, many members of the crowd found ways to display their American colors. Other wore shirts featuring slogans such as “Freedom” and “God Bless the USA.”

A few even decked out their seating areas with stars and stripes on their tents, chairs and umbrellas. At least one group brought a monument to the venue, displaying a miniature Statue of Liberty near the stage.

Performers such as The Steel Woods, Big & Rich and headliner Toby Keith entertained the large audience. They also paid tribute to America, as Big & Rich even made room for a group of veterans to be their guests on the stage.

Members of The Steel Woods got to know quite a few JITH fans a little better by holding a meet and greet session and signing autographs after their portion of the show. The Southern rock band hails from Nashville, and two of its members had performed at Jamboree in the past.

Guitar player Jason “Rowdy” Cope said he played at JITH in 2009 and was “very excited” to get the rest of the band to the event.

“I absolutely love it,” Cope said. “It’s a very great honor to be here. It’s a good day all in all.”

Bassist Johnny Stanton agreed. Also a JITH veteran, he said he was happy to be back.

All four group members signed autographs and posed for a photo with 11-year-old Chevy Cornelius of Ashville, N.Y. Chevy made his first trip to Jamboree this year.

“My dad comes here sometimes, so I asked if I could come,” Chevy said.

Tim Cornelius acknowledged that he has attended JITH five times and felt his son was old enough for the experience this year. He said the entire family, including Chevy’s mother Constance Emery, lives in New York. He heard about Jamboree on the radio and decided to start attending with family and friends.

Local residents T.J. Jacob and Brianna Wahle, of Martins Ferry, also turned out for the show Friday night. Wahle was attending for the second time, while Jacob was a newcomer.

“I love it — the music and the beer,” Jacob said.

“I love the environment,” Wahle noted. “Good people.”

The staff at the Belmont County Sheriff’s Department Command Post said the event that officially began Thursday has been peaceful so far with no major incidents. Law enforcement officers from many agencies around the region and across the Buckeye State are on the lookout for underage drinking on site and for intoxicated drivers on local roads.

The medical tent, operated by Ohio Valley Medical Center, treated a variety of illnesses and injuries Thursday and Friday. Nurse Manager Cyndy Butera and Medical Director Dr. Neal Aulick said two people were transported to local hospitals Thursday, and three more were transported Friday.

According to Butera, fans have been treated for chest pains, a pregnancy-related issue, a laceration and other conditions. Aulick predicted more people will need treatment for slip and fall injuries if rain falls on the venue near Morristown as forecast.

The music continues today at 11:30 a.m. with Jessie G. Local favorite 1170 will take the stage at 2:30 p.m., and Brantley Gilbert will close the show with his appearance from 9:30-11 p.m.