There are a number of things you need to know before you head out to Country Jam. Most of these fall well within the realm of common sense, but it never hurts to go over them again. Let's take a look at a few things to consider before the "Four Hottest Days of Summer" rolls around.

This year will mark my 26th year at the Jam. Personally, my favorite was 1993, but we won't go into that. Over the course of a quarter century, you pick up a few things. I would like to present ten suggestions which will hopefully make your experience the best ever. In no particular order:

  • Gates Will Open a Little Later Than What You Might be Used to

    For the 2017 Country Jam, gates will open at the following times:

    • Wednesday - 5 p.m. (Campground Kick-Off Party Only)
    • Thursday - 2 p.m.
    • Friday - 2 p.m.
    • Saturday - 2 p.m.
    • Sunday - 2 p.m.

    If you've attended Country Jam in the past, you may remember when gates opened a little earlier. This year, it's 2:00 p.m. across the board (with the exception of the campground party on Wednesday).

  • You Simply Must Drink Water

    Below you'll see a short list of things which are NOT water:

    • Beer
    • Jack Daniel's
    • Rum
    • Soft Drinks
    • Wine

    Granted, back in 8th-grade science class we all learned the water molecule exists in abundance in our world. That having been said, beer, although it may contain water, is NOT water.

    On a serious note - a few years ago I carried a grown man out of VIP. We were under the impression he was dead. As it turns out, he had consumed so much alcohol, combined with so little water, he simply gave the appearance of being dead. He suddenly rose from the dead when the EMT shoved a tube up his nose. It was a medical miracle.

  • Do Not Drink and Drive.... PERIOD

    You DO NOT want a DUI. For that matter, I'm confident you have no desire to hurt anyone, or yourself. Don't drink and drive. Just don't do it. Enough said.

  • Country Jam Has Gone Cashless

    You longer need to buy drink tickets or carry big wads of cash. The Jam has gone cashless. Not everyone is excited about this, but it does have advantages. You can purchase your drinks, merchandise, and anything else with the wristband you are already wearing. What if you run out of money on your wristband? You can recharge it. Get all the details before you set out.

  • Meet N' Greets

    You never know when the chance to score meet n' greets might arise. For that matter, many times, we don't know. Some of the artists can be a little particular when it comes to this topic. They often wait until just before their show to provide ANY meet n' greets to the public. Stay in touch with the radio station personnel. Keep an eye out for a chance to win passes to meet an artist.

    Put simply, stay alert and be ready. It's not uncommon for an artist's management to unload a dozen meet n' greets moments before the meeting is to take place. Follow the instructions as to where to meet and at what time.

     

  • Temperatures Can and Will Change in an Instant

    Be prepared for anything. Obviously, it is going to be hot, very hot, during the day. We're looking at sunny skies and highs in the upper 90's. Shade is hard to find. This is Western Colorado, so temperatures can drop rapidly in the evening.

    Believe it or not, it has been known to rain at Country Jam. It seems there will be no need to worry about that this year. It would still be wise to be prepared for cooler nighttime temperatures.

  • Western Colorado's Birth Rate Goes Up in March

    This one requires little explanation. Mysteriously, the birthrate seems to increase nine moths after Country Jam. Go figure.

  • Things Get Lost... and Not Always Found

    Last year alone I turned in a driver's license and a cell phone to lost and found. Please keep track of your belongings. It's even wise to "travel light" at the Jam.

  • You Can Ride The Shuttle to the Ranch

    The Official Country Jam Shuttle Bus will pick you up at the Ramada Inn on Horizon Drive, 764 Horizon Drive in Grand Junction or Fruita Monument High School. They will get you directly to the festival.

    Shuttles will run approximately every other hour from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. from the Ramada, 764 Horizon Drive, to Fruita Monument High School and then to the festival.

    Return trip shuttles will start around 9 p.m. from Country Jam Ranch, with the last bus departing the festival grounds at 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Thursday it will depart at 11:45 p.m.

    The number of available passes for the shuttle is limited, so get them now.

  • You Can Receive County Jam Updates

    Every now and then something very cool and unexpected comes up. You'll want to be in the loop, so sign up to get Country Jam updates directly to your device.

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