» Tailgating in London ON before the Circus show

Our friends over at Budweiser Gardens in London, ON, sure know how to throw a kick ass party on a Saturday night. Invite Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year winner, Jason Aldean, to bring his Six String Circus Tour to town with Thomas Rhett and A Thousand Horses, throw in some local country artists, rocking the parking lot before the show, and you have yourself one heck of a tailgate party.

Even with the unseasonably cool weather and the lingering threat of rain all day, the crowds started rolling into the parking lot around 2:30 in the afternoon to partake in the preshow tailgate party. All the local country music outlets were there helping put together the unofficial kick off to the summer country music show season in London. This is an extra special summer out here in London, as I would say the biggest line up country music this area has ever seen is about to kick-off, and it will all be capped off in September when Canada comes to party with the Canadian Country Music Awards.

Eric Ethridge kicking it country at the Bud Gardens Preshow tailgate party. – Bill Woodcock

Both local country music stations were on hand to welcome the local country music talent of Ryan Bradley and his band, Genevieve Fisher and CMAO nominee Eric Etheridge, who all took the stage in the less than desirable weather and warmed the crowd up. The beer was flowing and those who were there were treated to some amazing performances of every artist’s hits, and some new music as well.

Ryan Bradley and the boys had the crowd rocking – Bill Woodcock

Genevieve Fisher had the crowd in awe at her powerful vocals – Bill Woodcock

Cowboys Ranch, who has been a staple in London’s country music scene, brought out their mechanical bull which challenged folks all day to see if anyone can make the 8 second ride. I saw a lot of people laughing and having a blast on the bull but I’m not sure if anyone made it a full 8 seconds on the back of the wild bull.

Riding the mechanical bull at the Bud Gardens Pre-show Tailgate Party

Newcomer to the London Country bar scene, Bull and Barrel, was there representing as well and letting people know about the official Country 104 after party, “Stompin Saturday night”. They were taking names for prizes and just getting the crowd pumped up with their mascot running around and dancing up a storm to the country sounds coming from the bands on stage.

Bull and Barell London were there having a good time with the fans – Bill Woodcock

Local country music radio station, BX93, had a Big Green tractor down at the tailgate and invited people to take photos and tweet them for their chance to win the last pair of tickets into the show. One lucky fan, who came down without tickets to the show, ended up winning. She was super excited and was in for a treat as it was approaching time to start filling the sold out Budweiser Gardens.

A Big Green Tractor at the Jason Aldean PreShow Tailgate Party – Bill Woodcock

Budweiser Gardens has become known for some of the hottest country shows in Ontario. It’s an award winning venue that doesn’t have a bad seat and gets some of the largest country music acts lined up to play. WE LOVE covering shows here! The fans are always up for a party and the venue is superb.

What would a country music tailgate party be without some line dancing

London is the epicenter this year for country music in Canada, with multiple festivals and big names stopping in and helping the celebrations leading up to Canadian Country Music week, this fall.

Be sure to keep tuned to us here at Sound Check Entertainment for coverage from London, ON, all this summer, as we will be at all the big events in town.