Crowd size larger than expected at BamaJam

Despite a sluggish economy and the challenges involved in a first-year event, BamaJam has brought the crowds.

“More than 81,000 people have passed through the gates,“ Ronnie Gilley said this morning.

Without a doubt, that spells success for Gilley, who said he has about $4 million in the event, which will be held in Dothan at the Country Crossing location from here on out.

As he talked about the crowd on stage Friday, Gilley became emotional. He thanked the fans for coming and invited them back to Country Crossing next year.

He also urged fans to communicate with their politicians. “Thanks to Rep. Terry Spicer who helped us throughout,“ he said. “This is the new economic development.“

Earlier this week, Gilley was anticipating, and hoping for an attendance of 30,000 people. The numbers far surpassed that as of late Friday. Most of the fans said they wanted to come in time to see ZZ Top, who closed out the show Friday night.

Many travelers said they heard about BamaJam over the Internet.

“We travel to shows and things all over,“ said Craig Hightower of Jackson, Ga. “We go to drag races, NASCAR events, motor cross. We love Talladega. We bought our tickets off the Internet and came in Tuesday. It’s all fun.“

Hightower brought his motor home, his two young sons, his brother and a cousin. “It’s a lot of fun,“ he said.

Over bacon, eggs and biscuits Saturday morning, Cherise Richey of Birmingham said it does feel good to be a part of an inaugural event.

“We want to tell our kids one day that we went to the very first BamaJam,“ said the newlywed.

Bushing off dust, she said, “I am excited right now because I am going to take a shower.“ The $10 fee is well worth it, she said.

The heat and the dust is something to bear, she said, but the grasshoppers have been worrisome.

“They are everywhere,“ she said, rubbing her thin, tan legs. “You walk in the grass and four or five hit your legs. I just wanna squeal. You can’t help it.“

Richey’s husband said he likes the sound of the generators that fills the camping area, as air conditioners are running 24/7.

“It helps me go to sleep,“ said Nathan Richey.