“We certainly look for diversity and are proud of the diversity we have in our lineup,” said Clark County Fairgrounds Executive Director Dean Blair.
Opening day will kick off at 8 p.m. with local flavor in the Pleasant Street Blues Band. The veteran group has been around for years and their set at a local bicentennial event impressed Blair enough to have them lead off this year’s fair.
LEGAL MARIJUANA: Springfield marijuana dispensary first in city given state OK to open
Blair said it’s not typical to have the same artist back for three consecutive years, but country performer Chris Higbee isn’t usual, so he’ll continue that streak, playing at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 20.
“Chris keeps packing the tent, the audience just feels good watching him and they keep asking for him to come back and we’re happy to do it,” Blair said.
Another returnee that received a good reception in 2018 was the First Christian Church music program which will bring its choir and other guests during the 6 p.m. Sunday, July 21 show.
A perennial performer in Springfield each year, Jimmy Buffett tribute Parrots of the Caribbean will bring a little laid-back island flavor at 8 p.m. Monday, July 22.
“If you see someone you enjoy like that you bring in more fans,” said Blair.
The desire to play for all attendees comes into play on Tuesday, July 23 with David Wayne, who will perform at 3 p.m., aimed at an older audience that attends the golden wedding anniversary event with classic country tunes.
Tuesday’s evening entertainment will continue the country theme with a young but seasoned local player, Wyatt McCubbin. A fair veteran, he’ll play at 8 p.m. and another local performer, Ty Cooper, will open the show.
One of the more emotional moments of last year’s fair was the performance by Hasting & Co., led by Northwestern High grad Kate Hasting. Her parents, longtime fair participants Dan and Libbee Hasting, were in an auto accident in June 2018, claiming Dan Hasting’s life and seriously injuring Libbee Hasting.
BEAT THE HEAT: Clark County official urges caution as dangerous hot temps approach
Hasting wanted to perform in her dad’s spirit and she and band mate Josh Beale even filmed footage that later went into a music video for the song “American “Love.”
“We love Kate. Kate and her family have meant a lot to the fair,” Blair said.
Hasting & Co. will be back at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, with singer/songwriter Madeline McDonald opening.
Rounding out fair entertainment will be two tributes that have entertained local audiences for years - Eagles tribute Hotel California at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 25 and Touch, performing the best of Motown at 8 p.m. Friday, July 26.
Big Tent Entertainment
Friday, July 19 - Pleasant Street Blues Band
Saturday, July 20 - Chris Higbee
Sunday, July 21-First Christian Church & Medway Worship Music Service
Monday, July 22, Parrots of the Caribbean
Tuesday, July 23- David Wayne (3 p.m.)
Tuesday, July 23-Wyatt McCubbin with opening by Ty Cooper
Wednesday, July 24 - Kate Hasting & Co.
Thursday, July 25-Hotel California
Friday, July 26 - Touch
All shows start at 8 p.m. unless noted.
Midway Entertainment
A Grizzly Experience
Eric Kand - Hypnotist
Bear Hollow Wood Carvers
Dinosaur Xperience
Marines Firearms Simulator
Famous Amos Mechanical Bull
CTC Shelter House
Razzamatazz -3-5 p.m. Saturday
Blue Leafs - 1-4 p.m. Sunday
Ora TwamG 3-5 p.m. Monday July 22
Blaine Bowmand - 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, July 24
Willowcreek - 4-6 p.m. Thursday, July 25
Grandstand Events
Friday, July 19 - KOI Drag Races
Saturday, July 20 - NTPA Tractor Pull
Sunday, July 21-Demolition Derby
Wednesday, July 24 - 3rd Annual Salvation Army 5K at the Fair
Thursday, July 25 - Tractor Tug-O-War
Friday, July 26 - Kiddie Pig Chase-Pig & Calf Scrambles
About the Author