ROMP was in full swing last week, bringing attendees from around the country and across the globe together in a celebration of bluegrass music. Although no official numbers have been released just yet, Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum Marketing Director Hannah Koller said the event exceeded all expectations and records of past ROMPs.
(Photos from this weekend can be found on our Facebook page here.)
The event celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and featured popular artists including Sam Bush, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Ricky Skaggs, along with a number of up-and-coming acts.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather or a better lineup,” Koller said. “All in all, this set the bar high and it’s going to be hard to beat.”
Attendees, new and old, were in agreement about the success of this year’s ROMP.
Tara Overton and her family were first-time attendees of the festival.
“This is our first time here and we are loving it,” Overton said. “(There’s) so much to offer. The vendors, the food booths, and camping. Just being able to bring your own things if you want and set up a spot out here to watch these shows, it’s incredible.”
Marissa Traub, whose family was camping alongside the Overtons, said that ROMP is a great environment for families, with lots of space for kids to roam and play.
Sue and Lyle Parrigin, who have many memories of their kids running around ROMP campsites, marked their eighth year at the festival.
“This has been a great ROMP. We’ve really enjoyed it. They do everything first-class,” said the Parrigins.
The Parrigins, Traubs, and Overtons all said that they were excited to see Saturday night headliner Sam Bush.
Frank Sullivan, an attendee since 2003, said that his favorite ROMP memory involves Bush.
“One of my favorite memories would be watching Sam Bush play his set without his bass player,” Sullivan said. “His bass player got sick and had to go to the hospital. The show went on and he rocked it.”
In addition to noting their favorite parts of ROMP, many attendees talked about how the festival has changed and grown over the years.
Volunteer Larry Morris remembers ROMP at its inception, and is proud of where the festival has come to today.
“ROMP really started years ago down at English Park. It wasn’t called ROMP then,” Morris said. “It evolved and then moved out to Yellow Creek Park. Since then it’s grown to be what it is today – thousands of people from all walks of life, from many states, and even foreign countries coming to Owensboro to experience ROMP and bluegrass music.”
As for next year, Koller said planning has already begun.
“The moment the final artist takes the stage we are already thinking, planning, and making checklists,” Koller said.
