Fans find ways to deal with heat at Outlaw Music Festival in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Heat and humidity are not the best conditions for an outdoor concert, but fans braved the high temperatures Sunday for the Outlaw Music Festival at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.

Quite a few people said it is too early in the year to be as hot as it was, but they came prepared with multiple ways to stay as cool as possible.

“At least we have a nice breeze and a little bit of shade here,” said Gerome Williamson.

Shade was key for Williamson and other tailgaters at the music festival.

“We’re not very far into the summer yet. What, two days? It’s quite warm for two days into the summer,” he said.

The heat and humidity had people setting up under the trees. Some people also brought tents to get out of the sun.

“My friends here are kind of professional tailgate setup people. They can throw this together in about five minutes flat,” said Heather Thorpe, whose friends brought a large tent to set up by their car.

People also had plenty of water and ice, and some went the extra mile to stay cool.

“I bought squirt bottles with fans and a fan that goes around our neck and we have the wet handkerchief things that have, I guess the beads in it, that stay wet, and then water,” Melinda Walker said.

Walker said she bought two of everything for her husband and friends.

The park also had some things set up to help fans stay cool. There were water refill stations, fans and misting stations throughout the venue.

Heat aside, everyone’s looking forward to the music.

“Alison Krauss and Robert Plant and Bob Dylan, that’s got to be a pretty good show,” Williamson said.

Thorpe added, “I’ve been a big Alison Krauss fan for a long time, so really looking forward to her.”

One notable name was missing. Willie Nelson canceled his appearance due to health issues.

“We really want to see Willie Nelson, so we’re a little sad,” Walker said.

“His advanced age and the heat are probably not a good combination,” Thorpe added.

Fans were disappointed, but excited to see everyone else.

“I don’t think there’s anybody bad in the lineup,” Walker said.

Williamson added, “Whatever they’ve got to play, I’m looking forward to hearing all of it.”