As thousands of country music fans made their way to Cullman County on the eve of Rock the South, July 18-20, local law enforcement officials gathered to inform festivalgoers what they can expect and the consequences for those who choose not to walk the line.
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry spoke about the venue’s unique location and cleared up some of the confusion for those unfamiliar with local alcohol ordinances.
Because the venue itself has been spot-annexed into the Cullman City limits, alcohol sales are permitted within the perimeter. However, everything outside of the gate fall under Cullman County’s regulations, which do not permit alcohol sales or consumption.
Gentry said early arrivers would only be allowed to tailgate if they parked on private property where alcohol was permitted, but advised those guests that they would not be allowed to bring alcohol on their way to and from the venue.
Gentry said more than 100 deputies will be on-hand stationed at every intersection surrounding the venue, directing traffic and assisting with pedestrians. He also warned guests to be mindful and respectful of local residents living near the venue.
Cullman City Police Chief Dave Nasetta said his officers will have an equal presence inside the festival made up of every off-duty officer and volunteers from surrounding agencies. He said the city’s security plan has been slightly modified this year to create more units made up of fewer members to allow for better crowd maneuverability.
Especially following the assault last year, which left 18-year-old Reid Watts hospitalized, Nassetta said violence was always a concern for large events such as Rock the South, but said in actuality departments spend the majority of their time attempting to provide medical attention.
“Realistically, we spend most of our time trying to part the crowds so we can get to people who have fallen out or have had a medical emergency. We’ve modified our teams to be a little bit more agile and move in the crowds a little easier,” Nasetta said.
Gentry said in the past, the majority of alcohol related incidents have occurred within the festival and relatively few DUIs have been given in the surrounding area. However, Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker drove home the ramifications of not driving responsibly.
“The average cost of a DUI is $15,000, and that’s if you don’t hurt someone else or hurt yourself. We want everyone to have a good time, but please to not drink and drive. Have a designated driver, have a taxi, have a plan in place before you’re in that position,” Crocker said.
Gentry also provided several pieces of general safety information to ensure the best experience possible.
“Be smart, know where you park and know who came with. The one thing I would tell everybody, is that if you come as a group, make sure you leave as a group. Especially you ladies, if you come together you leave together. Take care of each other,” Gentry said.