This story was provided courtesy of the Callaway Courier
GOTHENBURG – For the 12th year, thousands of people converged on Lake Helen in Gothenburg for the Livin’ Out Loud music festival, and organizers agreed this was another very successful event.
LOL Board President Joe Wahlgren said crowd estimates on Saturday evening, Aug. 17, were between 10,000 and 12,000 fans – not including vendors and volunteers. And after last year’s 104-degree sweltering heat, Saturday’s 85 degrees was very welcomed.
With a boil water order being issued by the City of Gothenburg on Friday, some vendors and volunteers were scrambling to gather bags of ice and bottled water. However, everyone was able to acquire everything they needed, and the show went on without a hitch.
“We already had the bagged ice ordered from Fresh Seasons, and Culligan was able to provide us with bottled water,” explained Board Vice President Tim Strauser.
Each year a team of volunteers prepare meals to serve to the bands and their entourage backstage. Though the water issue may have added an extra step or two to their process, the team once again kept everyone involved well fed and hydrated.
Camper owners from as far away as Culbertson, and as close as a few blocks from the venue, loaned their RVs for use by the bands backstage. Volunteers manned the merchandise tents, gathered trash, kept the porta potties stocked with toilet paper, shuttled people, and pitched in wherever they were needed.
“It really does take a large effort to pull this off,” said Board Secretary Ellen Mortensen. “There is no way a dozen people in a small town like Gothenburg would ever be able to do this on our own! It is entirely a God thing, and we give all of the credit
for its success to Him.”
Livin’ Out Loud began 13 years ago, but had to cancel in 2020 due to the pandemic, making this the 12th event. Even though the annual budget well exceeds $125,000, the event remains free to attend thanks to the generosity of many sponsors and private donors.
Mark your calendars now for Livin’ Out Loud 2025, Aug. 16-17.
