Event expected to draw thousands to Edmonson County

BROWNSVILLE, Ky. – The Edmonson County Sheriff’s office is calling in re-enforcements in anticipation for a repeat event that drew a large rowdy crowd in the hundreds last year.

Wednesday through Saturday Blue Holler ATV Park in Edmonson County will host its second annual large outdoor event called “The Redneck Rave.” Now this little shindig caused quite a stir for Edmonson County law enforcement last year.

This year, both the sheriff’s office and ATV park say they’re taking extra precautions to enforce safety.

Edmonson County Sheriff Shane Doyle says two of the biggest law violations last year were ATV’s on the roadways and unruly people who were intoxicated.

“Number one, we want you to have fun. And we want you to do that safely. And if you don’t do it safely, then we will crack down really, really hard,” Doyle said. “There’s kind of a zero tolerance for some of these violations-ATVs on roadways, anything alcohol related, any sort of disorderly behavior-we have no tolerance for.”

Doyle says last year, the force was caught off guard- unprepared for the sheer number of people that would flood the town. Edmonson County has a population of just over 12,000. The ATV park estimates anywhere from 5,000 to 15,000 visitors for this event. This year the sheriff’s office is ready. The Edmonson County Sheriff’s office called in help from local and regional emergency service agencies.

Doyle says despite the reinforcements, help can’t be everywhere at once.

“For our local people we have a message of please be patient with us, because we’re already spread thin when there’s not an event going on, and when you tripled the population of our county, we can’t triple our presence. We have what we have. So, just be patient with us we’re doing the very best that we can, and we will work extra hard.”

Justin Stowers started the Redneck Rave five years ago in a cornfield in the middle of nowhere. When he saw how popular it was he kept the party going. Now, this is their second year performing the Redneck Rave in Edmonson County.

“We’re halfway full on Wednesday already, which is early load in, so I know there’s people from all across America, and I’m just as excited as they are for this weekend to be honest with you man, cool. So, if you like redneck kind of stuff, this is like Disney World for you.”

Justin says they’re enforcing strict safety regulations including 5 mile per hour speed limits in parking lots, safety harness and helmet mandates, and a three-strike-your out limit to make sure the rules are followed.

“We’re going to keep coming out here as long as the townsfolk keep having us, and we keep them happy, and everybody safe. I’m sure we’ll do this little shindig a few more times.”

Justin expects this weekend to bring in more of the crowd. Only time will tell if all of the safety precautions pay off.