Couple brings love to weekend of fun

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FORT LORAMIE — Love was in the air on Thursday at Country Concert 2016.

This year, the three day event attracted newcomer Barb Orthwein, who was brought by her fiance Rick Ford, both of Napoleon, Ohio. They shared with the Sidney Daily News their love story and how it brought them to Hickory Hills Lake.

“It’s a love story really. When I got married it broke her heart, so when we both got divorced we picked up right where we left off,” Ford said.

Ford, who’s been to Country Concert three times himself, said Barb saved his life and they got engaged this past Christmas.

“Her ex-husband pooped out on bringing her, so I decided I would,” Ford said.

Orthwein and Ford, who are recently retired, (and very in-love, Ford added) took that opportunity to check out all the great music this year; specifically Sam Hunt and Dierks Bentley. Ford added he would love to see Shania Twain, but doesn’t think that will happen.

“My sister got engaged on the same day we did and she’s already gotten married. We haven’t set a date yet, but we’re thinking about bringing them with us here next year to celebrate their anniversary,” Orthwein said.

Also celebrating their love at Country Concert were Tim and Chris Potts, who were celebrating their anniversary. The Potts’ have been traveling down from Lima for five or six years now to enjoy the music and fun of the weekend.

“It’s great to see all the people. And everyone is level headed here,” Chris said. She and Tim are looking forward to Brantley Gilbert and Eric Church.

Mark and Sarah Schalow, of Holland, Ohio, have been coming to Country Concert for four years in a row. In the past their favorite acts have been Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, and Luke Bryan.

“Getting to hear this music live and outdoors is great. By the end of the weekend, it’s amazing to see, no one is arguing or disagreeing, everyone is just enjoying the music and having a good time,” Mark said. “You can party, hang out and let your guard down.”

Sarah is excited to see Dustin Lynch, Brantley Gilbert, and Sam Hunt.

Angela Dale, from Indiana, and her group of friends are looking forward to Eric Church. Dale has been coming for three years now.

First-timers Haley Hamblin, of Sidney, and Courtney Hufford, of Botkins, are excited to see Thomas Rhett.

Kelly and Jennifer, from Dayton, were very excited to see Canaan Smith. Kelly said she likes coming to Country Concert for the great fun that is had by all.

Locals Ray and Wanda Laughman, of Russia, said they have been coming to Country Concert for eight or nine years now. They love the music, the people, and the excitement. This year they are looking forward to Eric Church the most.

Thursday featured artists: Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dustin Lynch, Brantley Gilbert, Carter Winter, William Michael Morgan, and Canaan Smith.

If you still want to go:

Friday, July 8:

Main Stage

4 p.m.: Chris Janson

6 p.m.: Big & Rich

8 p.m.: Sam Hunt

10 p.m.: Dierks Bentley

Saloon Stage

5 p.m.: The Wolfe Brothers

7 p.m.: Cam

9:15 p.m.: The Wolfe Brothers

Saturday, July 9:

Main Stage

Noon: Brothers Osborne

2 p.m.: Cassadee Pope

4 p.m.: A Thousand Horses

6 p.m.: Kacey Musgraves

8 p.m.: Thomas Rhett

10 p.m.: Eric Church

Saloon Stage

11 a.m.: Pilgrim

1 and 3 p.m.: Haley Georgia

5 p.m.: The SteelDrivers

7 p.m.: Brothers Osbourne

9:15 p.m.: The SteelDrivers

To purchase tickets, or book camping, visit countryconcert.com, or call 937-295-3000.

Carter Winter performs on the Saloon Stage at Country Concert Thursday on the opening day of the 36th annual music festival. Performers on the main stage Thursday included Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dustin Lynch and Brantley Gilbert. Friday’s performers include Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Big and Rich and Chris Janson.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2016/07/web1_DSC_0076.jpgCarter Winter performs on the Saloon Stage at Country Concert Thursday on the opening day of the 36th annual music festival. Performers on the main stage Thursday included Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dustin Lynch and Brantley Gilbert. Friday’s performers include Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Big and Rich and Chris Janson. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

Anita Patrick, of Findlay, tries on cowboy hats Thursday at Country Concert.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2016/07/web1_DSC_0044.jpgAnita Patrick, of Findlay, tries on cowboy hats Thursday at Country Concert. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

Christina Marshall, left, and Chelsea Buirley, both of Greenville, dance while Carter Winters performs in the saloon Thursday at Country Concert.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2016/07/web1_DSC_0114.jpgChristina Marshall, left, and Chelsea Buirley, both of Greenville, dance while Carter Winters performs in the saloon Thursday at Country Concert. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News

The main stage at Country Concert is ready for the weekend performers.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2016/07/web1_DSC_0133.jpgThe main stage at Country Concert is ready for the weekend performers. Luke Gronneberg | Sidney Daily News
Country Concert 2016 kicks off

By Alexandra Newman

[email protected]

Reach this writer at 937-538-4825.

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