Country Fest hits Mountain Creek this weekend

VERNON — The first annual Country Fest on Sept. 27 and 28 will feature live performances from rockin’ country bands, cowboy attractions for all ages and bull riding competitions.

Guests will be kicking up dust to music from the River’s Edge Band, who has performed with Lonestar, Trace Adkins and Willie Nelson, 18-time Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra, Tommy Cash and the Cash Crew, the world-class tribute duo Garth Guy and Shades of Shania Twain and more.

Mountain Creek’s Country Fest will also feature a barbecue spread of pulled pork, corn on the cob, whole calves, chicken, rabbit and lamb cooked in a fire pit right on the main lawn, as well as a huge variety of craft and seasonal beers. For those who like free beer, Mountain Creek is offering a free stein of beer to anyone who purchases a Mountain Creek winter season pass.

The Mountain Rodeo portion of the weekend will have guests on the edge of their seats watching riders compete in the Hardway Pro Bull Riders Final, a high-energy event where the winner will take home a trophy saddle and a minimum purse of $3,000. The bull-riding rodeo shows are at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. on both dates. Guests craving to experience the action first-hand can test their grip on a challenging mechanical bull.

Family-friendly activities for the weekend include pony rides, the rodeo clown, carnival games, lil’ buckaroo events and live magic and animal shows.

Country Fest hours are Saturday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. General admission is $7 per person and Rodeo and Admission tickets are $20 (children 5 and under: free) — food, drink and rides are priced separately. General parking is $5, preferred parking $20. To purchase tickets, visit countryfestnj.com.