It's summertime, and we all know what that means: concert season. More specifically, it's that small window of time during the year when country concerts are at their prime.
I grew up listening to country music with my mom on the radio and attending more Toby Keith, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts concerts than I can remember. And I never resented a minute of it. Sure, I was essentially "raised on it" (that's a Sam Hunt song reference! It's OK if you didn't catch it; we can't all be perfect), but I think I'd still love country concerts either way.
Regardless of whether you truly enjoy country music, or not, you probably know that country concerts bring with them feelings and sights that simply cannot be duplicated in any other environment. And this has a lot to do with the people that attend them.
Here are seven types of people that you might encounter at country concerts this summer.
1. The drunk-by-3 p.m. fan.
You've all seen them before. They're the ones that have been day drinking since 10 a.m. and have managed to get completely wasted before the concert even starts. They stumble through the parking lot, still cradling their beers. And all you can do is roll your eyes at them because you just know that they'll have to be taken home before they even get inside. How much did you pay for your ticket, again?
2. The wannabee country girls (and boys).
OK, so I'm usually not one to criticize fashion choices, but cowboy boots and daisy dukes are quite an interesting idea of what it means to be country. Guys -- you aren't any less guilty of this offense. Sometimes, you're worse. I see you wearing those boots with your Nike shorts. What were you even thinking? Let's all of us city dwellers just admit that maybe we've never stepped foot on a farm and aren't actually "country" at all. And girls, it's OK if you just wear the shorts because they make your butt look good. Own it.
3. The professional tailgaters.
These people have it down to a science. They show up in large caravans with their VIP parking passes and set up in the parking lot as soon as the gates open. You will likely watch on in amazement as they pull all kinds of fanciful equipment from the backs of their SUVs, including tents, folding chairs, a four-foot table. a grill, a generator to power their fan and about seven coolers filled with alcohol and food. They will also have all of this unloaded within five minutes. It's OK to stare in awe and appreciation.
4. The friendly neighbors in the seats next to you.
While waiting for the music to start, you'll probably strike up a conversation with the people sitting next to you. You may be suspicious of their chattiness at first, but you will quickly realize that they aren't like all the other thousands of crazies at the concert.They're legitimately really cool people. In fact, these people might just end up becoming your new best friends. By the time the main act gets on stage, you'll be putting them into your snap story. Now, it's serious.
5. The couple in the lawn seats who clearly need to get a room.
I only have one thing to say and that's please, stop. We don't need to see that, ya'll.
6. The fan girls (aka me).
I don't know about you guys, but this is probably the moniker that best describes myself. These gals jump up and down, let out long high-pitched screams and may even hysterically cry, depending on how close they can manage to get to Luke Bryan. Sorry about your broken eardrum, Mom.
7. The dancing queens.
These are the people in the crowd that are feeling themselves. Their moves are hot (or not) and they think the whole world should know it. Or they are just having too much fun to be embarrassed. Either way, they flail and shake all over the place. The song does say "country girl, shake it for me," though, right?
While it's true that you may run into some crazy characters at country concerts, I can honestly say you will have the time of your life. Show up how you are and enjoy yourself (as long as you keep yourself and others safe)! Nobody will remember your crazy dance moves in the morning.
Also, you're welcome for the gif of Luke Bryan's booty shake.