RICKY SKAGGS and KENTUCKY THUNDER
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 3:00 & 8:00 pm (HRBT Main Stage)
Perfect bluegrass music. The best pickin’ in the business. The sound that defined the Appalachians. This is Ricky Skaggs, twelve-time Grammy Award winner and mandolin player without equal.
Born in Kentucky, Ricky has bluegrass music in his blood. He started playing on stage when he was just five years old. By the time he was 28, he had become the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry. He’s barely been off the stage in the 26 years since.
Ricky Skaggs is known for defining not only the traditional bluegrass sound, but updating it with fresh approaches to old standards. Three albums, “Highways and Heartaches,” “Country Boy” and “Live in London” are considered to be among the best and most influential country recordings in the business.
It’s hard to call Kentucky Thunder a backup group. The International Bluegrass Music Association has named them Instrumental Group of the Year 8 times. With terrific fiddle playing, resonant bass lines and baritone vocals that flesh out the songs, they are equal partners at every performance. But it is the soaring clear tenor sound of Skaggs’ vocals that is the perfect match for the “big sky” over the Main Stage.
EDDIE MONEY
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 8:00 pm (HRBT Main Stage)
Driving rock music since 1977, Eddie Money has topped the charts with songs we can all sing: “Baby Hold On,” “Shakin’” and of course, “Two Tickets to Paradise”.
From the days when teenagers defined Top 40 record sales, Money has been there with the best of them. Joining up with famed ’60s icon Ronni Spector, the duet “Take Me Home Tonight,” recorded in 1986, has transcended generations and is now considered one of the classics of rock. It hit #4 on Billboard’s Top 100.
If you’re a child of the ’60s – or just love classic rock –– this concert will remind you of why this music is so great. Eddie Money has energy, charisma, and the strong voice that makes him a continuing legend in today’s rock world.
He says, “I am a man with no control. I love my rock ’n roll.” That’s Eddie Money in a nutshell.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27th
MOTOR MADNESS DAY
DEMOLITION DERBY Part I
6:30 pm (Main Stage)
Opening night isn’t dubbed Motor Madness for nothing. The ever-popular Demolition Derby roars into action. The crowd will cheer their favorite driver in one of three heats –– four, six and eight cylinder –– until only one car is still moving.
CLICK HERE to download a demo derby application form (PDF 24 KB)
OXEN DEMONSTRATION
Daily (Midfield Arena)
TWO-BY-TWO ZOO
Daily
For kids, the new petting zoo, Two-by-Two, gives them a chance to get up close and personal with kangaroos, ring-tailed lemurs, leopards and bears. And, OH MY! A python! If your kids are a bit timid, there are three animal shows daily when no touching is required.
When was the last time you saw a ring-tailed lemur? Or an albino Burmese python? Has it been a while? Then stop by and check out the Two-by-Two Zoo.
“We do three shows a day,” says co-owner Heather Iannuci. “During that time, we talk about conservation and describe the natural habitat of some of the animals. They are all on display the entire day and we try to recreate the environment where they would live naturally. They are not trained to do tricks. Rather, we call our zoo ‘edutainment.’”
But that doesn’t mean it’s not fun. Kids can pet giant tortoises, hold tiny snakes, and feel the fur of one of the three kangaroos (including one still in its mother’s pouch!). An adjacent pen full of goats and sheep is the perfect place for younger children to get their fix of the traditional petting zoo.
So if you’ve forgotten what Asian leopards look like, if the image of a lemur is a bit fuzzy in your mind, of if you can’t tell a red kangaroo from a grey one, make sure to take in the Two-by-Two Zoo.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28th
YOUTH DAY Check out the Kid’s Web page for more activities!
SENIOR CITIZENS DAY Seniors (65 and up) admitted until 4 pm at half price
KJ GYMNASTICS
11:30 am & 4:00 pm (Midfield Arena)
Watch the KJ Gymnastics team demonstrate its agility. Featuring girls and boys between the ages of seven and fifteen, KJ’s young athletes whirl, twirl, flip, and tumble their way through an assortment of choreographed performances to hip songs. The team dazzles with rhythmic ribbons, hula hoops, stability balls, and scarves.
SARAH'S BIRDS OF PREY
1:00 pm, 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm (Midfield Arena)
SARAH’S BIRDS OF PREY is a bird education program that truly has wings. Inspired by her love for these birds, Sarah’s program introduces us to hawks, owls and falcons. But it’s more than just a lecture. She has brought along a few feathered friends that have been injured and rehabilitated but can no longer survive in the wild. In return, these grateful birds show us the magnificence of soaring high in the skies, prowling for food, or just keeping a sharp eye out for predators. Come watch these creatures as they demonstrate their skills high above the Fairgrounds.
THE MAGIC TRUNK
3:00 pm, 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm (NorthGate Stage)
Professional ventriloquist Sylvia Markson will delight young and old with her comical cast of wise-cracking puppets that live in her Magic Trunk. Come meet Chito, a hilarious, hip Latino opossum; fall in love with Francesca, a singing Las Vegas show bird; meet a chubby genie and a darling baby dinosaur...plus a cast of other amazing characters.
DEMOLITION DERBY Part II
6:30 pm (Main Stage)
One Demolition Derby is definitely not enough for fair-goers. So a second night of smash-em-up grown-up bumper cars will thrill and delight the grandstand crowd. Come see what all the excitement is about.
CLICK HERE to download a demo derby application form (PDF 24 KB)
PEACEFUL COUNTRY BAND
5:00 pm& 7:00 pm (Upper Food Tent)
Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt, Charlie Daniels, Merle Haggerd. If these musicians sound like a good time, then you’ll want to stop by and listen to The Peaceful Country Band. Fronted by Ralph Barger, a guitarist and fiddle player, the 4-member group counts these country performers among their favorites. And they play and sing some of the best country standards in the business.
Sing along to “When Will I Be Loved.” Tap your feet to the “Orange Blossom Special.” Take a spin out on the macadam to “Cotton-eyed Joe.”
Last year Peaceful Country was such a hit that we brought them back for extra shows. Come and join the audience this year to see why they are so great.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29th
Featuring EDDIE MONEY in concert
ANTIQUE TRACTOR PULL
9:00 am-3:00 pm (HRBT Main Stage)
Check out these old-time beauties. Watch farmers and tractor collectors compete for bragging rights.
PISTON POPPERS/EARLY BIRDS CAR DISPLAYS
3:00 pm till 9:00 pm (Midfield Arena)
You’ll want to check out these beauties –– T-Birds and other classic cars in mint, driving condition.
HILL COUNTRY CLOGGERS
4:00 pm till 6:00 pm (NorthGate Stage)
Get ready for a high-energy, toe-tapping show when the Hill Country Cloggers put on their dancing shoes and start twirling those skirts. Come see why they are such a crowd favorite.
SCHOOLGIRL QUEEN CONTEST
7:00 pm (Midfield Arena)
Six accomplished young women – one from each public school in the county –– vie for the crown in the annual Schoolgirl Queen Contest. Dressed in gowns and delivered in chauffeured convertibles, the girls have already been interviewed by a tough three-judge panel. The contest celebrates its 70th year on Friday night.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30th
A. COLARUSSO & SON DAY
FIREFIGHTERS’ PARADE
Noon (HRBT Main Stage)
Dozens of spiffy, shiny fire trucks are accompanied by the volunteers who respond to the calls, all decked out in their starched, pressed uniforms. More than three dozen parading fire companies, auxiliaries and rousing marching bands all compete for trophy honors in this hour-long parade sure to please. Sit comfortably in the grandstands or stand along the parade route, but don’t miss it!
ERNIE WILLIAMS
4:00 pm & 7:00 pm (NorthGate Stage)
The blues never sounds more soulful than when played by the legendary Ernie Williams.
The musical master worked hard to make his dreams come true, buying a one-way ticket to Harlem when he was just 19 years old, spending the $9 it took him a year to save.
Traveling to Albany in the 1960’s, Ernie spent the next three decades as a central figure in the Capital District’s blues community. He then went on to expand his musical horizons, playing at Boston's House of Blues and Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago. From a 13-year-old boy fingering a beat-up old six-string on a Virginia plantation, to the 79-year-old dynamo performing for blues fans, Ernie has lived the blues –– and then some.
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BRAVE BRABANTS HORSE RIDING AND TRICK SHOW
4:00 pm & 8:00 pm (Midfield Arena)
Horse riding show that will take your breath away. Rider JD Winslow has adapted some of the skills demanded of horsemen as far back as Roman times to a modern day presentation. His ability to stand atop his beautiful Belgian Brabant draft horses, reins dragging, while the equestrian pair continue to trot around the ring is only the beginning. Winslow has lots more tricks up his sleeve, all while keeping his team of bareback horses in complete control. Both rider and horses are a sight to behold.
MONSTER TRACTOR PULL
7:00 pm (HRBT Main Stage)
These are not your quaint farm tractors! Come watch these smokin’ belchin’ behemoths
pull thousands of pounds down the track. “Monster” is too tame a word. The event will
likely determine the 2007 state champion.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31ST
RICKY SKAGGS DAY Featuring Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder in two shows
2 BROADS WITH ALOTTA SOUND
2:00 pm, 5:00 pm & 8:00 pm (Upper Food Tent)
Quency Rene (“Q”) doing vocals and Diane Geddes on keyboard present a smorgasbord of standards, oldies, Latin favorites, and some contemporary numbers. Variety is the hallmark of their fun-filled eclectic-electric performance.
JUDAH GOSPEL BAND
2:00 pm & 5:00 pm (NorthGate Stage)
With roots in classic country gospel and bluegrass –– plus a healthy dose of rhythm and blues –– this popular group has a large, loyal following. Just take a listen and you’ll know why. Judah’s repertoire includes such classic favorites as “Ain't No Grave” and “Old Time Religion,” as well as originals like “Send the Fire, Send the Rain.”.
WILD DUCK CHASE
3:30 pm & 6:30 pm (Midfield Arena)
Eric Johnson and his three border collies show us what the phrase "work like a dog" really means. His animals are trained to herd sheep, geese and ducks with little more than a word or a whistle as command.
"Historically," the New Lebanon resident explains, "dogs have helped farmers as far back as Roman times. In America, there is documentation showing that they were important during the founding of the Colonies. And my grandfather, who was a dairy farmer, used dogs on his farm to move the livestock from field to field."
Here at the Fair, canines Faith, Rhose and Tarr will show off their skills when they corral a flock of ducks. Over and under obstacles, in circles or into shelters, the work is done with nary a feather lost in the process. "Most people don’t even know that dogs can be workers," adds Johnson. "This is a chance for me to let young people know how indispensable animals can be. They’re not just for petting."
Kids from the audience participate at the finale at this family oriented event.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST
AGRICULTURE APPRECIATION DAY Featuring Rodeo Night
THE GHENT BAND
12 Noon & 5:00 pm (NorthGate Stage)
Always a crowd-pleaser, the Ghent Band is back in full pomp and glory for two rousing performances. Known for their crisp brass sound, the popular 104-year-old community band lifts the spirit with traditional patriotic marches, classic waltzes, and melodic overtures.
JEFF MARTEL ACOUSTIC GUITAR
2:00 pm, 5:00 pm & 8:00 pm (Upper Food Tent)
“Lots a’ ‘Dead. Lots a’ Dylan.” That’s how Jeff Martel describes his act.
When pressed he’ll tell you that he plays guitar and harmonica as well as singing. “I’m definitely not a quiet Folky,” he adds. “I’m pretty upbeat.”
A musician for more than 30 years, the vocalist covers standards from Johnny Cash’s “Folsum Prison Blues,” to Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry,” with tunes from newcomer Richard Shindell thrown in for good measure.
It’s all country, all the time – Cash, Willy, Waylon. All your old favorites and some new ones, too.
BRAVE BRABANTS HORSE RIDING AND TRICK SHOW
4:00 pm & 8:00 pm (Midfield Arena)
Horse riding show that will take your breath away. Rider JD Winslow has adapted some of the skills demanded of horsemen as far back as Roman times to a modern day presentation. His ability to stand atop his beautiful Belgian Brabant draft horses, reins dragging, while the equestrian pair continue to trot around the ring is only the beginning. Winslow has lots more tricks up his sleeve, all while keeping his team of bareback horses in complete control. Both rider and horses are a sight to behold.
SQUEEZE PLAY ACCORDIAN BAND
3:00 pm & 7:00 pm (NorthGate Stage)
Accordions galore! Carmine Ciancetta and his 9 colleagues along with bass and drums make for a very rich sound. And this one runs the gamut of musical genres.
Back in 1998 when the group first came together, they played only gospel music. But they have broadened their repertoire to include country, pop, classical, waltzes, marches and, of course, a few polkas thrown in for good measure.
Keep your ears open for old favorites including “Sharpshooter’s March,” “Spanish Eyes,” “Never on Sunday,” “Delilah,” and even “Green, Green Grass of Home.” Singalong if you want to the strains of “When Irish Eyes are Smilin’,” “Good Ol’ Summertime” and a rousing rendition of “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.” The group plays some patriotic tunes, too, including marches from every branch of the Armed Services.
PAINTED PONY RODEO
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (HRBT Main Stage)
Could YOU stay on a bucking bronc for 8 seconds? Could YOU wrestle a steer to the ground in less than 10? How about something easy like maneuvering your favorite horse through a maze of barrels in record time?
If you need a few pointers on any of these skills, then make sure to come and see the Painted Pony Rodeo. Bigger and better than last year, this nationally-sanctioned show teams some of the region’s top riders with the roughest, toughest, meanest rides on the circuit. See cowboys and cowgirls compete for prize money and a chance to participate in the National Rodeo finals, where a silver belt buckle can mean the difference between success and failure.
Watch professionals compete in bareback bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping and bull riding. And between events, pay attention to the real risk-takers, the rodeo clowns – men and women who put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect thrown riders. Would you wave a red hankerchief at one of these bulls? I don’t think so.
Come early. The rodeo is one of our most popular events, and it is the first time this particular rodeo appears at the Columbia County Fair.
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