Watershed festival lets fans celebrate country music

GEORGE — Watershed Festival had another successful show Aug. 2-4, bringing some of the biggest, and some soon-to-be-famous, country music artists to the Gorge. 

Starting the weekend off strong, Zach Top took the main stage first. Then Maddie Font of the country music duo Maddie & Tae rocked the stage alone due to Tae being ill. Up next was Canadian country music singer Terri Clark. Her classic country sound, paired with her white cowboy hat and guitar, epitomized Watershed. Riley Green had the crowd looking like they loved him, as they swayed and danced to his music. Wrapping up a sweltering first day of Watershed 2024 was Old Dominion, who took over the venue with their award-winning music. 

Saturday, while not quite as hot as Friday, was still a scorching day, but that didn’t stop the music or the Shedders — as the fans are called — from having a great time. The day kicked off with Ashland Craft, followed by Brian Kelley, who made sure the stage and crowd were ready for all the great music still to come. Up next was Dylan Scott who really pumped up the crowd. Scott brought energy to the stage — interacting with fans by taking their phones to take pictures, wearing items they would throw to him like sunglasses and bracelets, and even wiping his sweat with a shirt that was thrown on stage and then throwing it back. Scott was followed up by Cole Swindell, who made sure to speak to those missing someone with his song, "you should be here." Swindell continued the upbeat energy started by the previous performers so that the night could close on a high with the much-anticipated performance by Luke Bryan. Bryan was originally intended to perform at Watershed the previous year but had to cancel at the last minute due to illness. 

According to a Facebook post by the Country Deli in Ephrata, Luke Bryan even made an appearance there to grab a bite before his performance that night. 

Sunday was the coolest of the three days. Josh Ross, Pecos & the Rooftops, the Cadillac Three, Koe Wetzel and headliner Hardy filled up the final day of Watershed. The artists of Sunday brought a more rock and rugged style to the stage that attendees seemed to enjoy. 

Throughout the weekend, and between performances on the main stage, the Next from Nashville stage sported talented musicians who may just return to Watershed one day to perform on the main stage as others before them, such as Morgan Wallen, have done before. 

Ultimately, the only thing that would have been better was if the weather had cooperated just a little more so that it wasn’t so hot and dry those few days. 

Rebecca Pettingill is a freelance writer and photographer based in Ephrata. 

    Dylan Scott brought energy to the stage Saturday evening, interacting with fans by taking their phones to take pictures, wearing items they would throw to him like sunglasses and bracelets, even wiping his sweat with a shirt that was thrown on stage and then throwing it back.
  

    Cole Swindell rocked the stage Saturday night at Watershed.
  

    Maddie Font of the country music duo Maddie & Tae rocked the stage alone on Friday due to Tae being ill.
  

    Many Shedders sported cowboy hats of different styles and paired them with smiles throughout the weekend at Watershed.
  

    Riley Green enthralled the Watershed crowd Friday evening with a variety of songs.
  

    The crowds at Watershed went wild for each artist as they came onstage, singing along to their favorites and taking the opportunity to get photos and videos of the stars.