Glenn Armstrong’s trailer is a short walk to the grand stand.

After sleeping in line for two nights, he’s happy with his home for the next week.

On Sunday morning, gates opened at the Craven Country Jamboree. Hundreds of people took advantage of the chance to secure a camping spot in an ideal location.

Armstrong says the two-night wait was worth it.

“It’s fun. You meet a lot of nice people out there and it’s a different crowd than you meet in here, because everyone sort of spreads out” he said.

Armstrong has been coming to the, “world’s greatest country music festival” for over twenty years.

Now, he sees familiar faces as he sets up his camper.

“These are people that we’ve met at Craven over the years. We meet them here every year.”  

Bernice Bryska is in a similar situation.

“For us here most of the people were camped with are from other towns and provinces. This is our reunion every year,” she said.

Getting a spot close to the main stage is important for a few reasons. Convenience is obvious, but having the neighbors you want plays a role, too.

“When it came time to get our spots we spent the night over at the Big Valley office, and were second in line,” said Bryska.

Edited by CJME’s David Fraser.
@DCFraser
DFraser@rawlco.com