In the trailer writing

June 04, 2009

By Debbie Ingram

Left Dothan around 11:30 today and found a steady flow of traffic over to Enterprise.

I always take Highway 27 out to the BamaJam site and it was a good thing today. Traffic on the other side, coming from Highway 167 to Boy Scout Road, was rather congested. A long line of campers, cars and trucks—even a couple of motorcycles—trying to get in.

When I arrived by way of Gate 2, remembering that Gilley’s Mark, that’s Mark Sheldon, advised I use Gate 1 ... oops, I forgot. Anyway, somebody in the road referred me to Gate 4, which is on 167. Naturally, I didn’t take that at face value and had no trouble coming in Gate 2 with a media ID and an official parking pass for Friends & Family site. Things are not as loose as they were last year. You gotta have your stuff to get through!

OK, just got my first official visitor… it is Mark Culver with the county. He wants to use my internet. Hmmm… moneymaking idea!!

Later

Buy poncho before getting to Enterprise

By Whitney McHugh

DothanEagle.com’s Kelli McQueen is scouring Enterprise for a poncho, and so far she’s not having any luck.

Apparently those headed to BamaJam were out first thing this morning buying up rain gear. Wal-Mart, Big Lots and all Dollar Generals in town are sold out. There are still some umbrellas.

Anyone out there having luck finding ponchos in Dothan and Ozark?

Getting ready for BamaJam

By Whitney McHugh

Just a few more hours until BamaJam and according to the weather reports we’re in for a rainy day.

We’re forecast for a 90% chance of rain and some thunderstorms in late afternoon but it drops to 30% by the time Taylor Swift takes the stage at 10 p.m. tonight.

I’ll be slipping a couple of ponchos into my backpack just in case. You can get them for about $1 in the camping section of the big box stores or for $6-$10 at the drug stores.

The music starts today at 3:45 p.m. with Jamey Johnson on the Country Stage and Brantley Gilbert on the Alternative Stage. The Jagermeister Stage cranks up at 4:45 and the Budweiser Saloon at 6 p.m. You can see the complete schedule here.

Dothan Eagle and dothaneagle.com will have at least four people on site each day of the festival posting photos, videos, stories, Tweets and blog entries. You can access all of our coverage on our BamaJam page.

Reporter Debbie Ingram was on site yesterday to find out about the setup. Her camper – the official Dothan Eagle hub – has arrived at the campgrounds. Debbie’s story in today’s paper is a first look at this year’s festival.

Century Tel setup wireless access yesterday.

And I’m happy to report that unlike last year, there is good Verizon cell service at BamaJam. We’ll be able to text and call all over that 1,200-acre field. 

Most of the Eagle folks will be on site by about 2 p.m. and we’ll start posting tidbits from BamaJam.

If you’re headed to the festival, don’t forget to send us your photos and videos from the event. You can upload photos and videos yourself or email/text them to .

See you at BamaJam.

A word of advice

By Debbie Ingram

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Here I am sitting on the stairs at home writing this blog with my All-Stars. Thanks, Sidney!

As an afterthought… We got in exhausted last night. (HEY—you WILL get old too!) I headed straight to the bath. Ended up taking a second shower. Long story. Anyway, had no idea how dirty I got yesterday until I looked at my shoes this morning.

They were filthy. I said this last year although some people didn’t LISTEN—this is a tennis shoe event. I wore sandals out yesterday and if my shoes were that dirty, it stands to reason my feet looked as bad. This is not an event to worry about the condition of your toes or being stylish. If I see a girl in heels, I am going to take a picture of her feet and post them here under the headline: Too cute, but what are her feet saying? There is a lot of walking involved at BamaJam. Can’t be helped. Go for comfort, girls.

I just asked Sid (my 7 year old) to go upstairs and get my shoes… trying to give her busy work. She is soooo excited as well! The shoes are sitting on my shoulders. Doesn’t mommy look silly!

Later

Are you ready for some BamaJam??

By Debbie Ingram

I must be excited. (The husband only wishes.)

I woke up shortly after 6 this morning with a million things running through my head—- all related to the work at hand, which for the next three days, is BamaJam. It is days like this I really love my job. Only thing more entertaining is Dothan City Commission. And that was Tueusday! What a week!

First thing I did this morning was check the weather. It appears this system that has brought us early morning showers will move on through without dropping much rain. Only threat could be if it stalls or backs up—- I suppose that is possible with the front to the north bringing us much cooler temperatures. But we will act like it is all going away and believe with all our hearts that it is. Either way, a little rain will not spoil BamaJam.

I am packing clothes, phone chargers (My Verizon phones do not hold a charge out at BJam very well, although the reception is MUCH improved over last year.), note pads, extra pens, batteries, umbrella, raincoat .... trying to think of everything. The camper is packed primarily with beverages and snacks.

Still working out the day’s plan….. The husband and I have decided to give Sidney a treat and let her spend the night over there tonight. I have no other obligations at work tomorrow, other than BamaJam—wait, is tomorrow payday??—anyway, Sid Rock and I plan to stay up late with Taylor Swift. The husband says Friday is now the NEW MONDAY at work…. everything hits the fan, so he is returning home.

Sid is in soccer camp the mornings this week at Ridgecrest and I have county commission this morning and a broken nail that gives me pain every time it snags something, thus forcing the word “sh@$“ out of my mouth in an uncontrollable way. ....I just don’t need that kind of stress. So, I got some loose ends to take care of before I ride West this morning.

I’m putting together that BamaJam Survival Story I mentioned and will chat with campers; hope to get those online prior to the music starting.