2nd Annual H2H ATV/UTV Charity Concert and Trail ride

[Pappy]

In this day and age of our sport, it isn't often you find a large event that combines the fun and excitement of offroading, bluergrass & country music and a charity all wrapped up in one, especially in a very rural area deep in coal country.

Halfway to Hazzard is just that. In it's second year, the event looked forward to toping its inagural numbers which were amazing to say the least. Over 7500 people attended the first event and this years numbers were as good or better.

Press release (http://www.halfwaytohazard.com/story/news-blog/h2h_charity_trail_ride_raises_over_200000)

[Pappy]

This years event brought over 25,000 people to the concert portion of the event and 450 riders/drivers were signed up for the sunday trail ride.

[Pappy]

Some of Kentucky's finest would be on hand to make sure things remained in check as some big name stars would be on the list of preformers! The event is 100% family oriented and alcohol free which helped keep everyone focused on the music and good times as the day got underway

[Pappy]

The event was held near Hazard county Kentucky, and the area has raised the main attraction for this event, the band Halfway to Hazard. The band got its big break on Tim and Faith Hill's country music show and since then has skyrocketed up the charts while remaining loyal to its home town.

While big names draw tons of fans, the attraction and support for H2H was undeniable. Yhe schwag tossed to the crowd through out the day would garner a few lucky folks a keep sake or two.

[Pappy]

If you like bluegrass, you could get your fill of it here. Local and national artist preformed throughout the day. While many may not particuliarly view this as a hot attraction, for this region its a steeple of culture and was a very enjoyable day even for those that may not find this genre' of music at the top of their list.

[Pappy]

The good life for sure. Good friends, good music and a comfy chair to take it all in. The crowd built all day long with many staking their claim to a particuliar spot far in advance of the nights big event

[Pappy]

When I took this picture, I turned to my wife and asked..."I wonder what his generation could have accomplished if they had our toys"

This was indeed a diverse mix of people all united by the music, the atv's and the charity

[Pappy]

Bluegrass wasn't the only music that was played as good old country and southern rock found its way to the stage.

[Pappy]

I soon found myself toe tappin' with everyone else, I geuss it's a good thing I enjoy a wide range of music:p

For the $10 admission ($20 per carload!) one could easily while away the day at an awesome venue with other folks who enjoy most of the same things as you.

[Pappy]

Yeah he got caught scoping out a few of them beautiful country gal's!

[Pappy]

The midway area was a busy attraction as vendors were set up to lend their products to passing fans.

[Pappy]

For some, this event was alot about being with family. This little girls eyes tell me she is having a pretty good day with her dad;)

[Pappy]

The empty ground in front of the stage was fast filling up as the day turned towards evening.

[Pappy]

The local Sheriff gets escorted around the facility in UTV style!

[Pappy]

Miss Kentucky hams it up on stage as she does her part to support the event

[Pappy]

The pickin' was good and several bands had everyone laughing with some comedy thrown in to their lyrics!

[Pappy]

When Tim McGraw's helicopter came buzzing in, it was easily appearant that his fans were out in force. I was eagerly trying to capture their excitement and you could feel the charge in the crowd as word spread that he was on his way in.

[Pappy]

It wasn't a hard job picking out the most energetic and hyped up fans!

[Pappy]

Some played it cool, but you could tell they were ready to see McGraw!

[Pappy]

Screams, yells and a general hooray erupted when McGraw was escorted from his chopper to the backstage area. People who had been sitting for hours were now on their feet trying to get a glimpse

[Pappy]

Some were absolutley star struck as their eyes filled with tears out of excitement.

[Pappy]

Halfway to Hazard would get the crowd worked up as McGraw prepared to take the stage

[Pappy]

McGraw took the stage and people lost their minds:p

There had been space between people but no longer. Everyone pushed towards the stage forcing me to clammer up on a private deck just to capture some images.

[Pappy]

Everyone was searching for a vantage point to get a look or a photo of the star

[Pappy]

I was singin' along as he sung my favorite McGraw song and it was pretty hard to stay steady...I found myself getting elbow to elbow and more with folks that were just dying to get closer!

[Pappy]

I would imagine that in an arena with 65,000 +, things would get off the hook real fast!

Here, while enegetic, folks remained somewhat reserved but the emotion was everywhere.

[Pappy]

McGraws set would end with him singing a new song that will be released on his upcoming album. I am happy to say its a damn good song, very emotional and heartfelt.

McGraw wasn't getting away immediatley.....

[Pappy]

McGraw was awarded by the state of Kentucky for his charity work

[Pappy]

H2H would also recieve awards form the state and the county for their work with charity organizations

[Pappy]

H2H, Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley take a bow as they show the crowd their awards

[Pappy]

The concert would wind down well after midnight and the 25,000 + fans would make the trek home. There was on site camping for the riders who intended on staying and they were up bright and early as the trail ride was about to kick off

[Pappy]

Not all UTV's are created equal!

[Pappy]

The trail ride was again based towards the charity more so then the actual ride, however this was going to be a fun time with plenty of dirt waiting to be seen

Registration was available before the event and at the event and seemed to go very smooth

[Pappy]

The people in the region were very friendly, and I look forward to heading back down for some more stories on the regions trail riding clubs and events

[Pappy]

The trail ride was supposed to kick off at 10 am, but was running about an hour behind schedule as even more arrived and had to be registered. Noone seemed to mind, it was a kick back event and hanging with friends is never a bad thing!

[Pappy]

We were informed the ride would begin with a main road romp to the Childrens center for a parade, then proceed off to the trailhead.

I was faced with trying to capture either the begining of the trail or the sweep through town, and I chose the town

A police escort was leading the convoy of 450 riders

[Pappy]

This is literally a black dot on a road map as McGraws lyrics state. Down home country that you cant deny as being almost lost in americana.

One resident was overheard as asking where more people were to cheer them on, which was replied to by another person..."They are all in the ride!"

:p

[Pappy]

I wasn't overly concerned with not being able to do both the town parade and the trail as the event was being documented

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5PJKF2-xpRM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5PJKF2-xpRM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Pappy]

Country singing sensation Krista Marie not only preformed, she was about ready to get her ride on!

[Pappy]

The chance to showboat was at hand:p

[Pappy]

The parade would wind around the Childrens center where the kids were ready with signs of thanks. We weren't allowed to photograph the kids for their safety.

[Pappy]

It wouldnt be Hazard without a General Lee

[Pappy]

The Mini Razr rocks!

[Pappy]

This event deffinatley promted safety, charity and a coming together for a good cause that portrays atvs and utvs in a very positive light. While here it may be an everyday way of life, in other areas around the country it would be unheard of.

[Pappy]

Next years event should prove to be even bigger, and if you enjoy a bit slower pace, alot of good people and some fun on your ride, mark this event as a must see!!

See ya there!

[kawabunga]

Looks like it was a good time. Thanks for sharing.

[CNC_guy]

I missed this event and I've been looking for coverage of it ever since. I caught the Lexington TV stations blurbs and other print articles here and there.

I must say, I stumbled on this thread during lunch and kept hitting F5 as you posted more and more pics. I've enjoyed this thread more than any coverage yet.:)

[Pappy]

We have already started branching out into new areas for coverage and information and UTV's will play a large part in it as well as events that are not race related. Hopefully everyone will enjoy it and come out to see us at some of these events