Railbird attendees complain of long lines for water at Lexington music festival
Attendees at the Railbird music festival on the grounds of Keeneland Saturday night complained of long lines, particularly for drinks and water.
“Bar lines are out of control, it takes 40+ minutes to get a CAN of water. 30 minutes for a refill station. Unsafe conditions in the 90 degree heat,” one Twitter user with the name DJ Dad Shoes wrote, tagging headliners My Morning Jacket, which was scheduled to perform later Saturday night, and Dave Matthews Band, slated for Sunday.
Railbird said in a statement late Saturday night that it would make changes before Sunday’s event.
“The Railbird festival experience today did not live up to our standards,” organizers said in a statement. “We have made adjustments to improve entry processes and concessions operations to move lines more efficiently. More importantly, we have sourced additional water refill stations and will supply free bottled water as needed at our refill locations. We thank you for your patience as we prepare for the second day of the festival.”
Earlier in the evening, Railbird shared a “tip” on social media platforms encouraging festival-goers to stay hydrated, which prompted a slew of angry and concerned responses from people in attendance.
“We know it’s hot out there - be safe! Visit one of our Hydration Stations throughout the park to fill up your empty water bottle or cup,” Railbird tweeted.
“And wait over an hour?” Twitter user Claire McCue responded. “Horrible.”
“Can you let us know what you will differently tomorrow,” another user with the handle Jim Jimerson tweeted. “Lack of water is a real problem.”
Attendees were prohibited from bringing in any outside food and drinks, but the festival does allow “empty reusable water bottles and hydration packs and plastic or aluminum water bottles,” according to the website.
Lexington Fire Department Battalion Chief Jordan Saas said emergency medical services handled “numerous heat related issues” among patrons Saturday night, but no one had been taken to the hospital as of about 7:30 p.m.
A number of festival-goers said on Facebook that they left because of concerns about dehydration.
“Yeah that’s a ridiculous post since the lines are so long, you might pass out waiting,” Sarah Phillips wrote in response to Railbird’s Facebook post about staying hydrated. “We gave up and left.”
“I left because I’ve never seen a festival so unprepared. Not nearly enough water for the amount of people there,” Caroline Kinsella wrote.
Someone else made a Railbirdlines Twitter account and posted regular updates about their experience while waiting for a drink.
Separately, there was a report of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian on the Keeneland grounds Saturday night.
Lexington police Lt. Larry Kinnard said someone directing buses into parking spaces in the bus lot was hit by a bus just after 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
“The bus jumped forward and struck the person,” he said. He said the victim’s injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. He said the bus also collided with a tree.
Railbird continues Sunday, with gates opening at 12:15 p.m.
This story was originally published August 28, 2021 at 6:42 PM.
