Festival and campout to support first responder health. 
“We invite everyone to come on out, bring your RV, pitch a tent and enjoy the natural beauty while listening to your favorite country tunes,” said founder and organizer Vicki Burton. “We’ll have multiple stages and activities for all ages.”
The event features a flag ceremony at 5:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Country music singer Teddy Robb is opening for Ned Ledoux Friday night. Shari Rowe will sing the national anthem on Saturday, followed by John King opening for RaeLynn Saturday night. The event opens to campers Thursday, Oct. 12.
The Big Sting is a fundraising event benefitting the Shadow Foundation, a non-profit organization that has provided free health screenings for thousands of Arizona firefighters and police officers and helped more than 500 Northern Arizona families and individuals with financial support in times of sickness.
“We do this because they do so much for us,” said Burton. “I don’t think most of us realize what they go through on a day-to-day basis taking care of our communities. A simple call for an officer could lead to his death.”
She says advanced screening, which costs more than $200, can detect heart conditions in high-risk populations that may otherwise go undetected.
Burton expects about 4,000 people at this year’s event. “It gets better every year because we are bringing more to it. Bucky’s Casino is partnering with Majestic Marketplace to sponsor the VIP tent. Ticketholders will have access to blackjack tables and we’ll have a blackjack tournament both days from 3 to 6 p.m. In addition, Chef Reuban Stoller of Flagstaff’s Lumberyard Brewing Co. and Beaver Street Brewery will be creating an amazing dinner!”
Also new this year, Dos Equis XX is sponsoring a 30’ x 60’ tent open to all ticket holders. After parties will follow the headliners each night with special guests on stage in the Dos Equis tent.
Burton recommends that festival goers bring lawn chairs, blankets and layers of clothing. “We expect it to be beautiful during the day and chilly at night.”
General admission weekend passes are $80 per person; tickets per day for Friday or Saturday are $45. Discounted passes are available for first responders, those in the military and veterans. Kids 12 and under get in free. For more information, visit thebigsting.com FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
Flagstaff Business News supports the effort as an event sponsor. For more information, visit thebigsting.com.
Courtesy Photo: Thousands of people of all ages gather for music and camping, and to support first responders at Watson Lake each year.
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