Dukes Fest 2006

My buddy Rich and I hopped in my car around midnight on Friday and started on the ten-hour road trip to Nashville from Detroit.  Driving through the night, we arrived at the Music City Motorplex at the State Fairgrounds around 9:30am Nashville time.  We couldn't believe the crowds that were already in line for autographs.  The appearance of John Schneider and Tom Wopat drew tens of thousands of fans.  It was really great to see these two guys together.  John was already busy signing and posing for fans when Tom arrived and went straight over to John and the two greeted each other with hugs and laughter.  It was a special moment for me to witness.  These two were gracious, courteous and friendly to the thousands of admiring fans in attendance.

In addition to "Bo & Luke" the rest of the gang was in attendance as well.  Catherine "Daisy" Bach, James "Rosco" Best, Sonny "Enos" Shroyer and Rick "Cletus" Hurst drew long lines as well.  It was a Dukes fan's dream-come-true to see all of these actors together under one roof.

There was an area reserved for die-cast and model replicas of The General Lee and other vehicles.  A beautiful diorama was displayed depicting The General evading Rosco by jumping over a collapsed bridge (above left).  It was very well done.

Outside, as Ben "Cooter" Jones and his band entertained the crowd, fans were treated to dozens of replicas of The General Lee, as well as replicas of other cars from the TV series, including Daisy's Jeep and Road Runner, 00 Mustang, and Hazzard County patrol cars.  Fans were also allowed the opportunity to actually ride in The General.  Bright orange Chargers were seen squealing tires and speeding along a section of the oval race track.  Kids were heard yelling "blow the horn!" and the drivers were more than happy to oblige. 

I had such a great time in Nashville.  To escape the crowds for a little while, Rich and I spent part of the day in the city.  We toured the Ryman Auditorium (former home of the Grand Ole Opry) and walked along Broadway.  We even spent some time in Wanna B's to sing a little country Karaoke.  Rich, of course, had to perform Just a Good Ole Boy, the theme song to The Dukes of Hazzard. 

My thanks goes out to Amy Burge, who provided us the press credentials that allowed us to attend this year's Dukes Fest.  It was a day Rich and I will remember for a long, long time.