10 Tips to Make the Most of Citadel Country Spirit USA

Citadel Country Spirit USA, a three-day country music festival featuring 20 performers on two stages, is next week, Aug. 23-25, at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds. Gates open at noon. Here are 10 tips for making the most of your Citadel Country Spirit USA experience.

1. Getting There.
Free parking and complimentary shuttle service is available, but ticket-holders MUST pre-register no later than August 22 at www.CountrySpiritUSA.com to qualify. Guests who do not pre-register prior to the deadline will be charged $10 per person upon arrival.

Local drop-off and ride-share services strongly encouraged. Use the 5 Nantmeal, Glenmoore, Pennsylvania 19343 address. Drop-off location will be clearly marked.

2. Stay Hydrated.
Drink plenty of water. Bring an empty water bottle. Free water refill hydration stations will be located throughout the venue. Bottled water will be available for purchase.

3. Apply and Reapply Sunscreen.
Don’t get burned. Bring sunscreen. Insider tip: If you forget your sunscreen, visit the Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau booth for freebies, while supplies last.

4. Wear Comfortable Shoes.
Break in your boots before the festival. Skip the stilettos or wing tips. The venue site is more than five acres, so be prepared to do some walking (not so enjoyable with achy, blistered feet,) standing and dancing. Definitely dancing.

5. Speaking Of Fashion.
There is no re-admittance, so light layers are a good idea for day to night comfort. Denim is an obvious choice. Fringe is in. Top it off with a straw cowboy hat. Expect to see a lot of star-spangled country wear. If the spirit moves you, this is the place to rock your most patriotic outfit!

6. Discover New Acts.
While headliners and big name artists attract the most attention, see openers on the GMC Sierra Stage and up-and-comers on the Citadel Rising Star Stage. These lesser-known talents are tomorrow’s superstars.

Great discoveries happen often. At Country Summer, Citadel Country Spirit USA’s sister festival in California, Old Dominion opened the show in 2014. Today, they’re acclaimed headliners and the reigning Country Music Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards Vocal Group of the Year.

7. Explore All There Is To See and Do.
Take a spin on the mechanical bull to benefit the Chester County Hero Fund. Catch a wave at the Barefoot Wine landmark beach party. Get a free green screen photo at the Chester County CVB booth. Support overseas troops at Crown Royal’s Purple Bag Project. Sample free ice cream from Landhope Farms … and much, much more.

8. What Not to Bring.
No backpacks or large bags; no ice chests or outside food and beverages (empty water bottles are encouraged); no reclining lounge chairs, tents or umbrellas; no video cameras, still cameras with a detachable lens or audio equipment. Visit www.CountrySpiritUSA.com Information for a complete list.

9. Stay the Weekend.
Keep the party going all weekend long with special deals at top Chester County accommodations. Stay and play packages are still available at some locations. Visit www.brandywinevalley.com/country/#packages.

10. Have Fun!
Citadel Country Spirit USA is a great American festival experience, a community-oriented country music celebration with like-minded country music enthusiasts from across the nation. Tickets are still available.

Single-day tickets are priced from $89 plus fees. Three-Day Passes are priced from $249 plus fees. Purchase tickets and premium parking online at www.CountrySpiritUSA.com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-514-3849. Again this year, a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Festival sponsors include Citadel, Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau, the Tri-State GMC Dealers, Belfor Property Restoration, The Lewis Group, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Crown Royal, Barefoot Wine, Valley Forge Casino Resort, Stoltzfus RV’s and Marine, Ability, Main Line Animal Rescue/Pennsylvania SPCA, Sterling Pig, Sunbelt Rentals, Etix and Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show. WXTU is the festival’s media partner.