Rain doesn't dampen spirits during day one of Country Thunder

TWIN LAKES -- Though there was rain for opening night of the popular County Thunder in Twin Lakes, it could do little to dampen the spirits of those excited for the four-day annual music festival.

New this year at the festival -- no open flames are allowed on the campgrounds and in the festival area. Despite the recent rain, a burn ban remains in place because of the drought.

However, that didn't stop country music lovers like P.J. Kennedy from grilling out.

"Absolutely propane -- that's all we use, ever. We're being smart about it. I don't know if everyone's going to be smart, but if they need to grill burgers, they will come over here," Kennedy said.

The rain on night one of the festival provided relief for dry grass and soil, but wasn't necessarily the best for business.

Emilio Godinez and his family sell cowboy hats at the festival, and he said because it was cooler and cloudy Thursday, conditions weren't great for hat sales.

Despite the dreary weather, country music fans were pumped for four days of live entertainment, camping and fun at a music festival that sold out this year.

County Thunder 2012 runs through Sunday, July 22nd.