Published: March 28, 2008 12:25 am            

Annual event kicks off 10-day run today

The wait is over and the fair is here.

Today kicks off a 10-day run for one of the most anticipated events of the year — the 2008 Walker County Fair and Rodeo.

The fair will take place at the fairgrounds off state Highway 30 through April 5.

The Walker County Fair Association is celebrating its 30th year anniversary with the youth-centered event themed “Fair, Family and Friends ... A 30-year Tradition.”

Families can look forward to non-stop events, including livestock shows, rodeo events, academic competitions, arts and crafts and entertainment.

General admission tickets are on sale — $5 for adults, $1 for children six to 12 and children under six are free.

Season passes are also available for $25 for general admission only.

General admission starts at 10 a.m.

Rodeo tickets are available at the gate at $10 for adults, $7 for children six to 12 and children under six are free.

Carnival tickets are $1 each or an armband can be purchased from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays for $15 each, from 1-9 p.m. on Saturdays for $20 each, from 1-9 p.m. on Sunday for $15 each and from 6-9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday for $15 each.

After months of preparation and planning, students are ready to show the animals they have raised and nurtured, compete for scholarships and prizes but most of all, enjoy the traditions and time with family at the fair.

Along with some of the best livestock shows and rodeo events in the state, the fair will be packed as usual with fun, family entertainment.

Residents can look forward to both their favorite annual acts as well as a few new surprises planned by the Walker County Fair Special Events Committee.

Jack King, special events chair, said special events are supposed to do two things — attract people to the fair and give them their money’s worth at the event.

“This year, I believe the special events committee has done this,” King said. “We will offer acts every 30 minutes during admission times. There is always something going on.”

King said the fair will have five stages for special events.

“The first thing you will notice is that we have five stages with bleachers,” King said. “This will allow more and better seating for the shows. (Acts throughout each day) will take place on one of these stages.”

The fair will kick off tonight with an act that King said fairgoers “don’t want to miss.”

“Have you ever seen the county judge walk, crow and flop like a chicken?” King said. “You may see this and much more ... thanks to master comedy hypnotist Rodney Rash.”

Rash, a national performer, will give several free shows taking place nightly through Wednesday on the main building stage.

“Rodney has performed on cruise ships, TV, Las Vegas clubs, fairs and events all across the United States,” King said. “It’s all good, clean family fun but very funny.”

King said Saturday night will also feature one of the most popular and fastest rising bands in Texas — The Brison Bursey Band.

“Brison and the band (from Huntsville) will open the big Saturday night show to kick off eight days of entertainment,” King said.

The Brison Bursey Band will begin at 7 p.m. and play again following the Rodney Rash stage show.

WCFA Country Star is another anticipated event that will give local aspiring singers an opportunity to showcase their talent.

Participants, residents of Walker County age 13 and older, will audition for the event Saturday afternoon.

Finalists, chosen by a local panel of three judges, will compete in the finals competition to be held April 5 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Livestock Show Ring.

Similar to the popular American Idol and Nashville Star competitions, Country Star will put a spotlight on undiscovered singers living closer to home.

King said the addition of the singing contest will bring a new element to the fair.

“The Country Star contest will offer hours of quality entertainment,” King said. “The winner of Country Star will receive a trophy, cash prizes and most importantly, their songs will be taped and reviewed by a professional management company that specializes in new artists.”

Steve Fox, co-owner of All Star Entertainment, said he is gearing up for the contest.

“Country Star is kind of like the American Idol contest but focused on country music,” Fox said. “We wanted to gear it more toward what our local fair represents.”

All Star Entertainment will provide music and sound equipment for the contest.

“I think it’s going to be something people will enjoy,” Fox said. “With the popularity right now with shows like American Idol, Singing Bee, Don’t Forget the Lyrics, as well as our own Huntsville Idol competition, Country Star has generated some good participation.”

The judges, Fox said, have a tough decision ahead.

“Our judges will be local people who are involved in the music field,” Fox said. “They will judge contestants based on vocal talent, stage presence and showmanship/overall performance.

“The winner will probably be coming back to perform at future fair events.”

Fox said fairgoers are encouraged to support their favorite WCFA Country Star.

“During the finals, fans are definitely encouraged to come out and support their Country Star,” Fox said. “Lots of cheers always influence the judges.

“The audience should enjoy a variety of music — a combination of older classics from George Jones and Conway Twitty to more current pop country music from Rascal Flatts.”

The fair will also feature entertainment from many more acts, including The Corvette Brothers comedy rock duo, recording artist Alauna Long, Robinson Carving, Robinson puppet show and another new attraction — Old Time Medicine Man Dan Barth.

“Dan is a legend in the entertainment industry, performing in many movies and TV productions along with taking his authentic wagon and show all across the United States,” King said. “His shows bring back the old west (through storytelling, comedy, magic and ventriloquism). He has lived a lot of it by being on the old Wild West Show.”

Barth will perform April 2, 3 and 4 in the main building.

King said fairgoers are also invited to a Cowboy Church service on Sunday that will include gospel singing and a message from pastor Mark Terry.

The Walker County Fair Carnival will began with a “Sneak Peak” night following the parade on Thursday night and officially opens today.

For more information about the fair, visit www.walkercountyfair.com.

        

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