Chuck Wicks, Savannah Jack coming to this year’s fair
By RENEE COLEMAN/Staff WriterLISBON - As summer continues to fly by, members of the Columbiana County Fair Board are beginning to put some of the finishing touches on the upcoming county fair Aug. 3-9.
This year's fair main attraction is the Aug. 4 concert featuring country music artist Chuck Wicks and opening act Savannah Jack. Wicks best known for his song "Stealing Cinderella," and his performance on Dancing with the Stars with girlfriend Julianne Hough. Prior to Wicks performance will be a set by Savannah Jack, fronted by Beaver Falls, Pa., native Don Gatlin. Gatlin along with his brother Darryl were frequent performers at the fair in years past. Since forming his current band Gatlin has performed with the likes of Jake Owen, last year's fair entertainment.
Tickets for the Wicks concert are currently available at the fair's Web site www.columbianacountyfair.com. Track seats are $12, while grandstand seating ranges from $8 to $10.
"We had a great first day (of ticket sales) and it's been steady since," said Tresa Hall, fair secretary.
Those who choose to wait longer to purchase a ticket to the show can visit the fair office from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning July 13.
Other musical acts taking stage throughout the week include Nashville recording artist Cheyenne West, Kassie Simpson, Krosscreek and One Eternal. West, who recently performed at Coal Hollow Amphitheater, Wellsville, will play daily at the picnic area, while the remaining musical acts will grace the Midway Stage throughout the week.
Fair staples along with one new event will also take over the track, although some come with an added bonus. This year's Friday Night tractor pull will see the return of the Full Pull Production's "Smoker Series" sponsored by MAC Trailer. The "Smoker Series" will feature classic super stock tractors, modified four-wheel drive trucks, pro stock/super stock tractors, and semi trucks. Full Pull Productions' events have been missing from the fair's lineup over the past couple of years. Local pullers will get their chance at the track on Saturday as field stock, street semis, super farm tractors, street four-wheel drive trucks, and antique V8s compete.
New this year will be the Tuff Truck Competition, Aug. 6. It will feature stock and modified classes for drivers 18 and over. The timed obstacle event will be limited to the first 75 drivers in both classes. According to Hall the event was added to fill the vacant Thursday night spot, a decision helped by the popularity of the event at other venues.
Two of the biggest draws, the combine and car demolition derbies will not leave the grandstands empty. The Sunday combine derby has continued to grow in popularity over the years, not only for its free admission but for its attention grabbing action. The regular demolition derby has also seen a re-growth in its participants as the fair opened the event to non-county residents last year.
Those wishing to sponsor any of the fair's events can contact the fair office at 424-5531 or see any board member.
Besides attractions the fair board members have made some minor changes to the facilities including the addition of a concessions office and the replacing of the open class goat barn. Other improvements include the installation of heat sensors in the beef complex and paving of roads surrounding the facility. Board members are still seeking donations for the complex.
For more information about the fair or to order tickets visit the fair's Web site.
