Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 – Day Six
Halfway through the fair and we still have plenty of fun left to go! Today is a special day at the fair, as it is Military Appreciation Day with special activities provided by K102 and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. A “welcome home” parade will take place at 10:30 a.m. from the Leinie Lodge Bandshell to Carousel Park, followed by a “Tribute to the Troops” concert with Rockie Lynne in Carousel Park.
Rockie Lynne first made a name for himself when he released his critically acclaimed self-titled debut CD on Universal Records. With a life-long interest in music, this native of Statesville, N.C., has been singing and writing songs since the age of 14. After high school, he joined the Army, where he served for three years in the 82nd Airborne at Ft. Bragg. Lynne is co-founder of an annual charity motorcycle ride called Tribute to the Troops, where riders visit the homes of the families of our fallen soldiers to acknowledge them for having made such an honorable sacrifice. The organization has raised more than $200,000 in aid to the familes of the fallen. He has hit the country music charts with the hits “Lipstick,” “Do We Still,” and “More.”
Returning Tuesday to the fair will be special performances by Sherwin and Pam Linton and the Cotton Kings at the Heritage Square Stage at 2, 3, and 4 p.m.
Country music in Minnesota doesn’t get any more real than Sherwin, who journeyed to Nashville in 1966 where he cut “Cotton King,” a song that catapulted him to the top of the country music charts. This landed Sherwin Linton’s name among the top nominees for Entertainer of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1972 and 1973. Country music has been his life ever since, as he enjoys performing more than 250 dates a year, singing all the classics. “I thank God for what he has given me,” Linton said, “and feel the best is yet to come.”
Also to watch for Tuesday:
• Maiden Dixie will be rocking-country style in the Gardens from 7 to 11pm. Maiden Dixie is one of the areas hottest local country acts out there.
• Another one to watch Monday is JD McPherson, who will also perform on the Heritage Square Stage at 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. as part of the Heritage at Sundown series.
• Minnesota favorite The Johnny Holm Band will perform two FREE sets at the Leinie Lodge Bandshell at 3:30 and 4:45 p.m.
• Hank Thunander will perform at 3:15, 4:30, and 5:45 p.m. at the Rambling Senior Center Stage. Hank has repeatedly awestruck crowds with his various styles of music. His extraordinary talent includes polkas, country, standards and classical melodies.
Also, don’t forget to stop by your favorite country radio station booths at the fair – K102 is located on Nelson Street (O26 on your official Minnesota State Fair map), and BUZ’N Country is located on Judson Avenue (V30 on your official Minnesota State Fair map). Both radio stations will be doing prize giveaways, contests, and broadcasting live from the fair! Stop by and see your favorite radio personalities and try to win some cool country gear!
STATE FAIR TRIVIA: Each day in this update, we will be doing state fair country trivia! The person who gets the most correct answers over the course of the fair will receive a prize from Minnesotacountry.com. Submit your answer via e-mail to info@minnesotacountry.com and we’ll announce the winner after the fair!
TODAY’S QUESTION: This year wasn’t JT Hodges’ first appearance at the Minnesota State Fair. Last year, who did he open for at the Grandstand? Name both artists.
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER: The Mavericks performed at the Minnesota State Fair in 1995, along with the Tractors. See The Mavericks at this year’s state fair Bandshell Tonight Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 29 and 30, with shows at 8:30 p.m. each evening.
If you have some additional tips on keeping it country at the fair, e-mail them to info@minnesotacountry.com and we will be happy to pass them along to our fans.
Ryan Gueningsman is at ryan.gueningsman@minnesotacountry.com or can be found on Facebook.