In this article we cover a day at Thunder on the Mountain in Knott County, Kentucky. Our experiences and how some of the entertainers where treated and how paying customers where extremely let down.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this OpEd are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Appalachia Insider. Appalachia Insider does not endorse the accuracy or reliability of the information presented.
Editor’s Note: This article was corrected on 07/09/2024 to reflect that Travis Napier did play at the show. The only performer who was spurned was Ethan Allen.
Anticipation and Preparation
Attending the 6th Annual Thunder on the Mountain, I eagerly anticipated a weekend filled with music, food, and fireworks. The event, held from July 4-6, 2024, at Mine Made Adventure Park and Campground, promised performances by Ethan Allen, Travis Napier, Backwudz Band, and Easton Corbin. As a big fan of Ethan Allen, my family and I were particularly excited to see him perform live.
To ensure we were well-prepared for the event, I spent $75 on tickets and $50 on food once there. Anticipating the need to transport my kids comfortably, I also invested $100 in a wagon. Altogether, our expenditure for the event exceeded $400.
Disappointment Sets In
We arrived at the venue with high spirits, ready to enjoy the performances and make lasting memories. However, our excitement quickly turned into frustration and anger. Of the four bands listed on the event flyer, only Backwudz Band, Travis Napier, and Easton Corbin performed. Ethan Allen, the main reason for our attendance, did not take the stage. The venue attributed the absence of Ethan Allen to scheduling conflicts.
Adding to our frustration was the fact that Ethan Allen was on site and made it known multiple times that he was ready to play at his appointed time of 7 PM. Despite his readiness and presence, he did not get the opportunity to perform, leaving many fans, including us, feeling deeply disappointed and deceived.
Misleading Information
To make matters worse, we were informed that although Ethan did not get to play at his appointed time, he would be allowed to headline and finish off the show. So, we stayed through the other acts, despite having small children in our group who are not accustomed to being away from home at 11 PM. This, too, turned out to be a lie. Ethan never took the stage, and we were left waiting in vain.
No Pricing Flexibility
Another point of frustration was the event fee structure. The $25 fee for anyone 12 and over was for the entire three-day event. I only intended to be there for the concert, but there was no price difference for someone wanting to just attend a 7-hour event, as opposed to the full 72 hours. This lack of flexibility added to the overall dissatisfaction with the event.
Seeking Refunds and Accountability
The frustration was palpable among the crowd, especially those who, like us, had come specifically to see certain artists. Despite the food trucks and the fireworks show attempting to salvage the evening, the lack of anticipated performances left a significant void. The unexpected change in the lineup was a blatant failure, considering the time, money, and effort invested in attending the event.
When I asked about the return of my entry fees, I was informed that I would need to take it up with the county judge. This response only added to my dissatisfaction, as it complicated the process of seeking a refund for an event that blatantly did not deliver on its promises.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this experience, I am still seething with anger about the unfulfilled promises and the overall disruption to our plans. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of transparent communication and the devastating impact of poor scheduling on event attendees’ satisfaction. For future events, I hope the organizers take these lessons to heart to prevent similar outrages.
While we did enjoy the performances that took place, the absence of Ethan Allen was a significant letdown for my family and me. Moving forward, I will be more cautious about such events, ensuring that the performers we are excited to see are confirmed and will indeed be present. This experience has left a bitter taste, and I urge the organizers to rectify these issues to avoid alienating loyal fans and attendees.
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