Severe Storms Skirt Country USA in Oshkosh, Wi

[pojo]

Severe Storms Skirt Country USA
By Jason Zimmerman

Oshkosh: Some of Wednesday afternoon's more severe storms in our area moved through Oshkosh as the Country USA music festival was underway. There was no severe damage and even lightning and heavy rain wouldn't dampen the spirits of fans who came to see some of country's brightest stars.

Sawyer Brown and his band have a huge following. Thousands of fans were willing to see the show rain or shine-- and that adoration was put to the test.

High winds suddenly burst through Oshkosh, sending most people running.

"It was pretty crazy," said J.R. White from Saukville. "Me and my buddies right over there, the tents were blowing pretty much right on the ground, people trying to hold the tent up. Crazy stuff.

Almost everything in sight appeared to be on shaky ground, from speakers to lights to the giant Jumbotron screen. A warning went out on the loudspeaker that even warned people to stay on solid ground-- it even warned against going into the portable toilets.

"My umbrella wouldn't stay up. I had to fight against it. My dad was laughing at me," Hannah Still shared after the storm.

The show's promoter had access to radar and could track any storm, but once a weather warning was issued it was up to each festivalgoer to decide whether their safety was at-risk.

"Decisions have to be theirs. They have to make up their mind what they want to do," promoter Dan Liebhauser said.

In Wednesday's case, the storm left almost as suddenly as it blew in-- much to everyone's relief.

"I want to see Sawyer Brown! He's awesome! He always puts on a good show," fan Amy Aerts of Kaukauna exclaimed.

Country USA continues through Sunday with other big acts including Toby Keith, Dwight Yoakam, and Kenny Chesney.

** The NWS in Green Bay posted a severe Thunderstorm warning for Winnebago County around 4:35pm.**