A downtown Rice Lake lightning strike Friday evening brought BlackHawk鈥檚 Aquafest performance to an abrupt halt and resulted in minor injuries to a handful of spectators.
"BlackHawk came to the stage to get ahead of the incoming weather," said Aquafest Co-chair John Lehman. The country music band members were willing to play until they were no longer able and then return after the storm passed.
But lightning struck next to the stage at around 9 p.m. either to a power line pole or near one, according to Rice Lake Utilities. The voltage 鈥渇ried鈥 equipment from lighting to amplifiers to speakers, putting an end to the night鈥檚 performances, Lehman said.
According to the Aquafest co-chair, in all its 40-plus years on the road, BlackHawk said they had never experienced anything close to the Rice Lake lightning strike.
Approximately five people suffered minor injuries and were treated on the grounds by a Marshfield Medical Center ambulance that was stationed on standby.
鈥淲e're just really thankful that nobody was seriously injured and everybody checked out OK, including our staff,鈥 Lehman said. 鈥淚 would like to thank all of our staff and the law enforcement on site who did a wonderful job.鈥
Electricity was restored in moments, but police and Aquafest staff decided to clear the grounds due to safety concerns from the continuing storm. Spectators had the option to shelter in St. Vincent de Paul or Bethany Lutheran Church.
鈥淪ome people just headed home,鈥 Lehman said. 鈥淲e just had to clear the grounds at that point.鈥
It was not possible to bring BlackHawk back Saturday evening as the band was at its next performance, and ticket sales are final so there will be no refunds, Lehman said.
While procedures were executed well, Lehman said, they will be reviewed. He thanked everyone for participating in all of the events over the 10-day festival and the Aquafest committee looks forward to welcoming everyone back next year.
