Donna Cochran, left, and Tina Smith use one another for support as they trudge through a mud puddle Thursday afternoon. While some fans braved the rain and wind to get seats for Thursday’s concert benefiting the Ringgold High School band, the weather proved too much for others. The concert, which was to include Josh Turner, was delayed by the bad weather.RINGGOLD, Ga.-Some drenched fans clutched their umbrellas, others wrapped themselves in blankets and held each other tight, just waiting as the wind whipped across the Davis Cattle Farm on Ooltewah-Ringgold Road on Wednesday evening, soaking everyone in a chilly spray.
But fans of country singer Josh Turner fans who showed up for a 7:30 p.m. show only to brave the harsh weather were rewarded 31/2 hours later when he stepped out on stage.
The “After the Storm: Coming Together Benefit Concert” drew crowds from Georgia and Tennessee who wanted to support Ringgold High School’s band and athletic programs and hear the singer perform.
Turner, who said he only sings at a handful of benefits each year, wanted to help Ringgold High, which was decimated by an EF4 tornado in the April 27 storms.
“This is such a huge thing,” said Faye Schmook, of Dayton, Tenn., whose son lives in Ringgold. “It would be such a shame to cancel.”