West Salem’s Country Boom kicks off three days of music after 2020 absense

Country Boom 2021 returns to Maple Grove Venues in West Salem

WEST SALEM, Wis. (WKBT) – After its absence last year, country music returns to Maple Grove Venues in West Salem. After silence filled the air in West Salem last year, people are ready to get back to concerts.

Thursday’s headliner features Diamond Rio beginning three days of concerts. Some things to keep in mind over the next few days for those planning to attend.

Lyft and Uber are not an option for drop-off at the main gate. Country Boom organizers are trying to limit traffic congestion at the gate. But there’s another option and it’s free. People can park at West Salem High School or Valley View Mall and ride on shuttles.

The shuttles run every 15 minutes. Those who want to drive need to have a parking pass or camping pass. Boom goers can buy parking passes at both West Salem Kwik Trips. Even though the show is a go this year, event organizers had to put in extra work to make this possible.

“Things didn’t start to clear up where we could even see it as a possibility until maybe April. Staffing and volunteers, stuff like that, was a little bit tougher to find this year. So, that took some time,” said Jon Holthaus, co-founder of Country Boom. “Overall, just logistics of having a shorter time period to put this whole thing together just made it a little more challenging, but we’re confident we’re gonna put on a heck of a show.”

Country Boom leaders offered military members, veterans, and their families a chance to experience the festivities. Leaders say this is their way of saying thank you to those who gave so much for the country.

“For veterans, active military, and their immediate family, which would be spouse and kids, the tickets are gonna be free, courtesy of the Weber group,” Holthaus said. “Just something for the veterans to show our appreciation to come out, enjoy the show. and just find a way to enjoy yourselves again.”

The gates here will open at 2 p.m. the next two days. Friday Jake Owen takes the stage at 10 p.m. and Chris Lane will wrap things up on Saturday at 10:15 p.m.

For more information about Country Boom click here. 

COPYRIGHT 2021 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.