Panola set for Bryan’s Farm Tour

By Rupert Howell
Tickets are still available online for Wednesday’s Luke Bryan Farm Tour to be held at FT Farms on Macedonia Road west of Batesville.
Despite a broken clavicle following an October 6 bicycle crash, country crooner Bryan has been making his engagements and the show will go on Wednesday.
He tweeted that same day, telling his millions of followers, “Broken clavicle. All good. Show is a go. I’ll just have my arm in a sling,.” according to Hollywood Life website.
A source familiar with the concert venue at FT Farms said over the weekend equipment is arriving and FT Farm owner John Thomas reported wheat planted to carpet the venue is up and has been watered with an irrigation system as the area is experiencing a drought that extends back into the summer.
Panola County Emergency Management Coordinator Daniel Cole said Monday that emergency responders and law enforcement that will be handling traffic and contingency plans. They will hold a final meeting Tuesday prior to Wednesday’s concert date for instructions and plan changes as several thousand are expected to attend.
Original figures indicated a crowd of 20,000 would be possible although later communications indicate a crowd of 4,000 now expected.
The venue, a bean field on the east side Macedonia Road,  was harvested earlier and wheat planted a few weeks back. East of the venue is the Tallahatchie River levee.
Most of those attending are expected to be coming from the east on Highway 6/278 to Macedonia Road. Following the concert, traffic will be directed back to Highway 6 and also to Curtis Road where law enforcement said every intersection will be lit with officers directing traffic.
A large parking area has been assigned, also serving as a bean field pre-harvest.
The hosts are expecting several tour buses and 18-wheelers carrying staff and equipment as well as fencing to define the area surrounding the stage.
Cole said lightening and wind are factors (he discounted any chance of rain) stating the National Weather Service will notify his agency if any is detected headed near the area.
Bryan was recently named top country artist at the Billboard Music Awards. Some of his many hits include Country Girl (Shake It For Me), Drunk on You, I Don’t Want This Night to End, Crash My Party, Someone Else Calling You Baby.
He has also been the recipient of the Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association “Entertainer of the Year” award and has sold over 7 million albums and 27 million singles worldwide as of 2015.