By Aldrich M. Tan • Of The Northwestern • June 28, 2008

An impending storm after the sun went down was not going to stop Laura Lauters, 18, from seeing country superstar Kenny Chesney.

“He’s hot,” said first-time Country USA attendee on Friday afternoon. “I’ll wear a poncho if I have to.”

She didn’t have to. After it rained on and off all day, the country superstar performed “Live Those Songs” from his album “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” at 11:07 p.m. on the third night of Country USA 2008 at the Ford Festival Park on South Washburn Street at Ripple Avenue.

Dan Liebhauser, Country USA 2008 organizer and promoter, said early Friday afternoon he did expect some rain, but hoped that it would not impact Chesney’s performance.

“People who really enjoy the country music party are okay with the rain,” he said. “They have come to expect some rain.”

A cold front that moved in from the west brought thunderstorms with heavy rain on early Friday evening, said meteorologist Phil Kurimski from the National Weather Services Station in Green Bay.

Chesney fan Steve Norton, 33, of Montello, anticipated the weather.

“Well, we have umbrellas and stuff and hopefully we are prepared for it,” he said.

Vendors were also prepared for the anticipated storm. Jeff Engelman, general manager of Mr. Cinders, said that the chain restaurant’s C-USA booth is making sure that their ropes are tied, their products are off the ground, and their charcoal is covered so it doesn’t get wet.

“We are listening to the weather station and using common sense,” he said.

Lightening was spotted over the Country USA grounds at approximately 4:55 p.m. Attendees kept flowing in, with umbrellas and ponchos.

The cold system passed over Oshkosh by 6 p.m., said Dan Clark, meteorological technician for National Weather Services. Another system of thunderstorms traveled south of the area.

The weather was still clear enough for Chesney to perform. Norton said he looked forward to seeing that performance.

“He’s a great singer and he puts on a good performance,” he said.

Chesney has been at Country USA before, Liebhauser said. The country superstar came ten years ago when his career was just taking off and again four years ago when he was becoming a big star.

“This time, Kenny is the world’s biggest country stars in the world today,” Liebhauser said. “He transcends just about any star that is out there.”

The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department no major incidents to report from the overnight shift and from Friday afternoon.

The Red Cross’ day crew was not very busy either, volunteer coordinator Joni Kerwin said. Minor injuries involved toes. One person had personal health problems enhanced by the conditions of the area.

Jeff Last, another meteorologist at National Weather Services in Green Bay, said more showers are expected, especially in the afternoon on Saturday.

Aldrich M. Tan: (920) 426-6663 or atan@thenorthwestern.com.