MANCHESTER, TN – Everyone knew to expect it, but it didnt make the waiting any easier. Traffic was backed up for several miles in both directions on I-24 in Tennessee yesterday as fans began arriving to the much-anticipated Bonnaroo music festival. It took us about 9 hours to go the last 40 miles, says Andy Baskin, who drove here from Chicago. It sucked, but everyone was feeling festive along the highway and we were all in the same boat. Im just psyched were finally here. This place is incredible and everyone is so friendly.
Once inside the festival grounds, many fans flocked to Centeroo, a town square of sorts that features arts and crafts, eclectic food stands, massage parlors and an enormous arcade tent, complete with a rocking 80s jukebox. There is also an outdoor movie theater, which showed Grateful Dead concert videos, Widespread Panics The Earth Will Swallow You and Led Zeppelins epic The Song Remains the Same.
Thus far, the vibe is overwhelmingly positive. Music begins later this afternoon. Stay tuned…