'It's like our reunion.' Neon Nights music fans become fun-loving country music family

LAWRENCE TWP. − Melissa Lawrence, Lana Gallentine and Brandon Lapikas anchored their prime spots on Friday afternoon along the catwalk at the Neon Nights Music Festival.

Lawrence, 50, and Gallentine, 57, are friends. Lapikas, 21, was a newfound country music companion, meeting the women at last year's event. On the other side of the catwalk were their other music fest pals Ruthie and Betsie.

The trio represented the pillars of Neon Nights — fellowship, great music and good times.

Lawrence said the friendships she's made with others at Neon Nights go beyond the two-day summertime ritual. They also keep in touch throughout the year.

Music bonds them. She was carrying a small purse emblazoned with the autographs of past Neon Nights performers such as Thomas Rhett, Dylan Scott, Priscilla Block and Rodney Atkins.

"It's like our reunion," the London, Ohio, resident said as sun beat down, a welcome sight after rain dampened last year's festival.

Gallentine of South Solon echoed those sentiments.

"We become family," she said.

Added Lawrence: "We share ups and downs with them."

Bigger stage this year: Neon Nights Music Festival returns to Stark County. Here's what you need to know

Lawrence, Gallentine and Lapikas were among several thousand people who flocked to Clay's Resort on Friday for the annual celebration of music, fellowship and lots of fun. The first night featured Darryl Worley, Pam Tillis, Trace Adkins and Brad Paisley.

The Saturday performances showcased legendary rock bands ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd, along with the Outlaws and Blackhawk.

Blackhawk starts at 4 p.m. The final concert is Lynyrd Skynyrd, which takes the stage at 9:15 p.m. To purchase one-day tickets and for more details, go to https://www.theneonnights.com/ .

Southern rock pioneers: Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist says Neon Nights at Clay's Park is 'going to be nothing but fun'

Naming their pets after country music stars

Tailgating is as much a part of Neon Nights as the music.

Hanging out under a tent about an hour before showtime Friday were Dave and Kelly Cook and their 25-year-old twin daughters Ana and Ade Cook. Also with the group was Diana Biddle, 63, of Lake Township.

They had it all. A barbecue grill, cold beer, comfortable chairs and shade.

But everybody is welcome. And earlier Friday, the Cooks even pumped air into the flat tire of another concertgoer's vehicle.

"We bring the food, we bring the beer, and whoever comes over (can join us)," Ana Cook said with a smile as bright as the sun, which kept the afternoon heat around 80 degrees.

"Everyone talks," the Canfield resident said of those who attend Neon Nights. "Last year, literally we talked to another couple for more than an hour, and they invited us to go kayaking."

So how big of music fans are the Cook family? They name their pets after music stars. A cat goes by Meat Loaf. A dog is named Dottie in honor of Dottie West. Another dog answers to Toby for the late and beloved country music star Toby Keith. Another pooch is named Reba.

"Country music in general is bonding time for the family," Ana Cook said.

Ready to rock with ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd

Tammy Benson, 58, of Navarre and Kim Chandler, 60, of Florida were excited about the addition of vintage classic rock to this year's festival.

Raising her beer in the air, Chandler said of Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Hell, yeah!"

Benson also loves classic country.

"Neon Nights is the best because we're older," she said with a bottle of beer in her hand. "We're older, and we love these people we've grown up with like (country music artists) Brad Paisley and Trace Adkins."

Another classic rock fan

Standing out from the crowd in their black cowboy hats and black attire, Anna Stahl, 51, and Wesley Mayle, 47, both of Canton, also liked the combination of country music and classic rock at this year's festival.

Stahl is a Brad Paisley fan. And "I'm really excited to see ZZ Top," she added. "I was really excited because it's my son's favorite group, and those are his initials − ZZ."

And "I love Lynyrd Skynyrd," Stahl added. "It just doesn't get any better."

Remembering her late husband and his military service

Amanda Gerber, 44, of Sugarcreek leaned up against the catwalk during Darryl Worley's concert on Friday.

For her, the show was also about the meaning in Worley's music, particularly the song, "Have You Forgotten?"

The song is about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, as well as the military response.

Gerber's late father, Ron Eberly, served in the Army in Vietnam from 1972-74.

Her mother, Vickie Eberly, was also at the concert, and she hoped to get the attention of Trace Adkins when he performed later Friday. Adkins' song "Still a Soldier" also evokes memories of her husband, who died about two years ago.

Eberly made a poster, featuring a black-and-white photo of him in uniform. Inscribed was a message and request for Adkins to play the song.

"He served our country (as an Army medic)," she said. "He wouldn't talk about it a lot because of what he had seen and been through."

Country music fan loves Pam Tillis: 'She's just amazing.'

Nicholas Blake, 36, of Barberton pressed his body against the catwalk during Pam Tillis' performance in amazement of the 67-year-old country music singer.

Singing along and exclaiming her greatness, this was the first time he had seen Tillis in concert.

"I love old school country music," Blake said. "Reba (McEntire) is the queen of country, but I think (Tillis) is the runner-up. I'm in love.

"The fact that she's that old and sounds this good is astonishing to me."

'Bang for your buck'

Ben Ours, 47, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was among the fans at this year's Neon Nights who said the festival gives you a "bang for your buck."

"This many artists for this amount of money, you can't beat it," he said. "I Iove it. They mix it all up with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Brad Paisley and Trace Adkins."

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com .

On X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP and Instagram at ed_balint

This article originally appeared on The Repository: 'It's like our reunion.' Neon Nights music fans become fun-loving country music family