Igniting the Festival Spirit: Hertz Drives the Stateside Experience
The Stateside Adventure Begins: A Harmonious Road Trip with Hertz
Before the melodies filled the air at Stateside on the Fourth of July, Hertz, the event's official car-rental sponsor, ensured that the path to the festival was seamless and exciting. For artists Sydney Rose and Nick Mateyunas from Arcy Drive, their expedition to Stateside commenced with a personalized touch.
Gold Squad's Golden Greeting: Setting the Tone for an Unforgettable Weekend
Upon collecting their vehicle from Hertz, Rose and Mateyunas were warmly welcomed by the beloved Gold Squad, a charming team of Golden Retrievers. With their luggage stowed, the duo embarked on their drive north to Hutton Brickyards, reflecting on the significance of being part of Stateside's debut lineup and the enduring role of road trips in a musician's career.
The Open Road: A Source of Musical Inspiration and Cherished Memories
During their drive, Rose expressed her immense excitement. Both artists emphasized that traveling has become a vital component of their creative process, with many of their most treasured recollections unfolding on the road. They fondly agreed that the camaraderie and experiences shared in their touring vehicle create some of their most lasting memories.
Hudson Valley's Scenic Route: Building Anticipation for Stateside
As they navigated through the picturesque Hudson Valley en route to Stateside, their anticipation grew. Situated on the sprawling 100-acre grounds of Hutton Brickyards, a mere 90 minutes from Manhattan, Stateside offered breathtaking views of the Hudson River, expansive grassy areas, and an intimate backdrop for performances by acclaimed artists like Noah Kahan, Gigi Perez, Sydney Rose, and Arcy Drive, celebrating Independence Day in true American style.
Reunion with the Gold Squad: A Unique Festival Welcome
Upon their arrival at the festival, Rose and Mateyunas reconnected with the friendly faces of the Gold Squad. The Golden Retrievers were strategically placed at the festival entrance, offering guests a delightful opportunity for greetings and photos, kickstarting their festival adventure with warmth and charm.
Beyond the Entrance: The Endearing Presence of Hertz's Golden Ambassadors
The Gold Squad's engaging presence extended throughout the festival grounds. These impeccably groomed Golden Retrievers, recognized as the unofficial national dog of America and the face of Hertz since 2025, were a constant delightful sight for festival-goers. Known for their efforts to make travel a "golden" experience, the dogs, alongside their handlers from Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, transformed the festival ambiance into a friendly backyard gathering.
Canine Charm: Engaging Activities and an Iconic Photo Opportunity
At the Hertz Gold Squad Hangout by the Hudson River, three four-legged companions enjoyed being petted by concert-goers. During Kahan's performance, a pair of pups, sporting booties and matching headphones, entertained guests near the platinum lounge. Throughout the day, the dogs took turns at Hertz's popular lemonade stand, where endless dog-shaped popsicles were distributed. The day's highlight was a grand parade of all 26 Goldens, creating a memorable moment as they lined up for a group photo in front of Hertz's colossal "Roadside Attraction" license plate, drawing a crowd eager to capture the iconic scene.
The Journey Concludes: More Than Just a Trip, It's a Memory
From the moment the road trip began to their final performance under the main stage lights, Hertz played a pivotal role in making the journey to Stateside an integral and unforgettable part of the weekend for Sydney Rose and Nick Mateyunas. Their experience underscored that the best festival memories often commence long before the music starts, emphasizing the joy and significance of the journey itself.