The population of Guthrie Center will likely be 10 times its usual size as country music fans flock to the Guthrie County Fairgrounds for the 11th annual River Ruckus, and visitors are encouraged to make smart and safe decisions for an enjoyable weekend.

The River Ruckus employs its own security for the festival, so Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright hopes that his personnel won’t have to be called in for an emergency or law enforcement matter. He says the Ruckus attendees have generally been good-natured, and he wouldn’t like to book any festival goers to his at-capacity jail, “Make sure that they follow the rules and have a good time but stay safe and don’t overdo it.”

The festival unofficially begins with a free show tonight, and gates will open at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.