So what does it take to get one of the performers to do an interview with a local TV station at Country Stampede?

Well, it's different every time, but I can tell you it's not a guarantee! Last year, one artist wouldn't walk less than ten feet to our camera because the publicity people wanted a request in writing a week in advance, but Rodney Atkins said no problem - with no notice - to our crew the next day. So you see, it depends on the day and the person and the schedule.

This year, I thought I'd get requests in to Julianne Hough's and Luke Bryan's people in advance, knowing we'd be there on their performance day, Thursday. I made initial contact with both, then got an email back from Julianne's people saying, "How about 5:15? Let me know." I sent a note back confirming, but asked for a contact who'd be on-site, so she'd know where to find us, etc.

I hadn't heard back when we left Thursday, so I was a bit worried. I tried calling her company again, and, from the time we arrived, I was asking around, trying to find someone who'd know who to talk to. Finally, at about ten til 5, someone said, "Oh - just go that trailer right over there." I looked at the clock and ran to the trailer, opening the door to find a nice woman named Liz who told me she'd go find out and send someone over to me. That someone turned out to be a guy named Rick, who said, "I'll go get her now."

Off he went in a golf cart. Five minutes later, he rolls up with Julianne Hough at his side. They hopped out, headed our way and I had to say only, "Hi, I'm Melissa" before we were live on the air for all of you!

I hope you could tell on the air how nice she was. When we went to commercial, she didn't run off - she stayed to chat a few moments and pose for some quick pictures. Back at the golf cart, we saw her stop a few moments more to sign autographs for a few of those working who'd spotted her. It was hot out there, folks - she could have elected to stay in her air conditioned trailer preparing for her performance!

So that's a little behind-the-scenes info on how that interview came to be! I'm sharing a few pics, courtesy Photog Eric and Jeremy Goodwin. Julianne looks awesome - I look like a sweaty mess! The interview is included, too, in case you missed it.

Before I close, I also want to share some behind-the-scenes info about our friends from 94.5 Country radio. They truly got their hands dirty helping get the grounds ready for the festival Thursday. Their promotions person, Amber, was in muck boots, chucking out mulch in muddy areas. Sports guru Bruce Steinbrock traded his microphone for hard labor, sweating it out, throwing mulch and getting things where they needed to be. Raubin Pierce was a golf cart maniac, putting out fires left and right, while also helping us find people and move equipment. All of their staff works extremely hard on the event, and we want them to know we appreciate it!