HEBRON — A ferocious thunderstorm turned the sprawling grounds of the Redneck “Blank” Pig Roast and Music Festival into a flooded morass Friday.

As sunshine broke through the storm clouds, hundreds emerged from their campsites and the main stage sound system started blaring Don McLean’s “American Pie” across the farm of Harold Brooks.

Some drivers took the opportunity to turn the fields into impromptu mud runs, until organizers banned most vehicle traffic until it dried out.

Glen Benedix, who was directing parking for a steady stream of pickup trucks, Jeeps and ATVs, guessed roughly 1,500 people had arrived by 4 p.m. Friday, the second day of the third annual festival.

“It’s crazy; people have been coming in since last Saturday trying to get a place to park,” Benedix said. He guessed the number of festival-goers would continue to rise through the evening and into Saturday. 

Friday night featured live music from Firewater Creek, Veggies by Day and Back in Black, a popular AC/DC tribute band.

Brooks, who started the event as the Redneck Olympics two years ago before being forced by the International Olympic Committee to change the name, was not at the festival due to a family emergency.

Many revelers looked forward to Saturday’s events, such as the wife haul, mud tug of war, toilet-seat horseshoes, lawnmower races, the “very wet” T-shirt contest and even a wedding, complete with an Elvis impersonator. 

Redneck “Blank” is raising money for charities such as the Wounded Heroes Program of Maine, Camp Sunshine and the Androscoggin Humane Society, among others, with a 50/50 raffle.

On Friday afternoon, however, most celebrants were happy to kick back with cold beer and enjoy time in the company of fellow rednecks.

“We’re all redneck family!” exclaimed Michelle Roy, throwing her arms wide to the scene unfolding below her hilltop campsite.

ATVs, many flying American or Confederate flags, gunned along the dirt road leading past the main stage and camping areas. 

Most festival-goers were from Maine and many were veterans from previous years’ events who were settled in for the weekend. 

As he attempted to summit a muddy hill, Mike Hinkly, 50, said he left his home in Declan, Fla., on Wednesday and drove straight through to the festival. Originally from Hebron, he returns to visit family every summer and timed his trip to get to the event, he said. 

“How can you not love this?” he asked. “This is my lifestyle!” 

Near the main stage, a crowd watched a young woman thrash on a mechanic bull while another bikini-clad reveler repeatedly dove into a large mud puddle.

Nearby, Linda, who didn’t want to give her last name, was busy staffing her booth, boasting homemade redneck accessories such as duct-tape wallets and bow ties, and cardboard beer case cowboy hats. 

“I make enough to pay for my spot and gas money, but I definitely don’t get rich,” she said. “I’d be coming here, anyway.”

Driving past, Rose Phillips and her family enjoyed cold beverages at a trailer affixed with a table and benches, pulled behind a four-wheeler.  

Phillips, from Chesterville, said it was her third year at the event. She was joined by her husband, who built the trailer, as well as her niece, son and close friends and other family members. 

“This is like a reunion for us,” Phillips said. 

Down the hill, Lance Weymouth of Oxford was celebrating his 31st birthday with his mother and stepfather, Jody and Rob Hall, and friend Floyd Patrick. Jody said more family were due to arrive Saturday. 

Weymouth said this was his first year at the event, but so far he was glad he turned down a rafting trip on the Saco River to attend. 

Wearing a yellow “security” shirt, Floyd Patrick of Farmington said the event had been largely trouble-free, although security did have to step in to break up a couple of fights on Thursday night.

Nearby, Pam Winslow of Mechanic Falls was enjoying burgers with her daughter and a group of friends. The festival’s atmosphere made it easy to feel like everyone was one big family, she said. 

“You make friends so easily around here,” Weymouth said. “If you don’t know them, you get to know them.”

The Redneck “Blank” will continue with a full slate of events Saturday and will wind down Sunday. 

pmcguire@sunjournal.com