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TODAY'S LINEUP

Performers taking the stage at Jamboree In The Hills today:

• Fabulous Bender Boys

• Chris Higbee Project

• Mayf Nutter

• Stephen Cochran

• Eric Church

• Neal McCoy

• Lee Ann Womack

• Steve Miller Band

• Toby Keith

MORRISTOWN - There are about 2,500 miles between Los Angeles and Jamboree In The Hills, but Bernie Woodall was not about to let the distance prevent him from enjoying the 33rd Super Bowl of Country Music.

"There are only a few occasions to experience the spirit of Woodstock, and this is one of them," the L.A. resident said in reference to the famous 1969 music and art fair while he was enjoying the show at JITH Friday.

Woodall and thousands of other JITH fans did not let an afternoon cloudburst dampen their spirits, as they continued enjoying performances from Ohio Valley native Joe Zelek, as well as Luke Bryan, Jason Michael Carroll, Julia Burton, Cowboy Troy and Big & Rich.

Though not traveling as far as Woodall to enjoy the fun, Mount Pleasant resident Rita Riedener said she has seen all 33 JITH events since 1977.

"I still enjoy it and have a great time no matter what. ... But I do wish they still had the big acts the way they used to," she said.

"But I like to see these artists, too," Riedener said.

Through the years, Riedener has gained quite a few memories of the festival.

"We saw the campground catch on fire once from a lightning strike," she said.

Though no fires were caused by lightning Friday, Riedener said she would still prefer to see warmer and brighter weather for JITH.

Bridgeport resident Sherry Ontko said the best part of JITH is meeting friendly people, like Riedener.

"You just meet so many nice people. ... It is a lot of fun," she said.

Barnesville resident Adam Smith said the best part of JITH is just being able to socialize.

"It is nice to be able to meet and talk to so many different people," he said.

St. Clairsville resident Mike Dutcher said he has attended JITH for the past seven years.

"There is a little bit smaller crowd this year, but it is still early. ... It is a little cool this year, too," he said, noting he would still have a good time.

Belmont County Sheriff's Department Capt. Ron Everett said most Jamboree fans have been well-behaved, but he still wishes he had more deputies to work at the event.

"We have 133, counting our mounted units," he said of his deputy count. "We could use about 50 more."

The show continues today with scheduled performances from the Fabulous Bender Boys, Chris Higbee Project, Mayf Nutter, Stephen Cochran, Eric Church, Neal McCoy, Lee Ann Womack, the Steve Miller Band and Toby Keith.