It's that time of year, when country music fans in northern Nevada start thinking about Night In The Country (NITC). The 16th annual music festival kicks off next week for three days of music - and camping - in the farming fields of Yerington.
Our winter flooding washed out roads leading to the venue, so some traffic routes have changed. "In the past we've used Miller Lane. This year fans will continue south to Goldfield Avenue," says Justin Aguilar, the Festival Director for NITC.
The actual campground was not affected by the flooding and the check-in area for camping at the fairgrounds will be the same. "There will be signs out, NHP will be directing traffic,"Â says Aguilar.
What you will see once you get there is a repeat from last year - checkpoints. All vehicles coming in are subject to search. Specifically, the amount of alcohol being allowed in is restricted.
"Two cases of beer and a bulk item, per person," says Aguilar. That "bulk" item refers to the one liter of hard alcohol per person limit. Also, everything must be in plastic or aluminum. No glass. Anything else can be confiscated.
Twenty-one and over wristbands are required - those will change every day -  and there will be plenty of local law enforcement officers and security guards, keeping an eye out. "They’ll be checking campsites and for those who seem to be underage and drinking, and just for fan safety, patron safety and campus safety," Aguilar explains.
The venue is smoke free - and no marijuana is allowed.Â
Okay, how about the fun stuff?
"New this year the stage will come out to the general admission area (a thrust stage), providing the general admission fans a closer look - or access - to our artists," says Aguilar.
There will also be an additional Jumbo-Tron and another bar in the general admission area, and next Wednesday the 26th - a kick-off concert in Reno, that Aguilar says will start at 7:00 p.m. "Here at Greater Nevada Field, Whiskey Heroes and Walker Hayes will be performing."
Tickets kick-off concert:Â http://greaternevadafield.com/event/walker-hayes-and-the-whiskey-heroes/
Tickets for NITC available at  http://www.nightinthecountry.org/
Night In The Country does benefit several charities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Mason Valley.
