Archive for the ‘Headlines from the fair’ Category

Fair hits home run with concert

Monday, July 28th, 2008

I recently returned from the Monroe County Fair concert tonight. The two-act performance included up-and-coming country stars Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. They did not disappoint the crowd. They kept the crowd on its feet all night long with a 2-hour performance by playing mostly upbeat songs. The younger acts brought in a younger crowd.

You could feel the excitement and fans got their money’s worth. It was evident by all the people singing along to the lyrics and dancing with each other. It was just a fun, pleasant atmosphere with two great singers on stage.

I have to admit that I am not a country fan. Despite that fact, I have been covering the fair concerts for the last several years. I would have to say this was one of my favorites, even though I still loved seeing Trace Adkins in concert last year. Even though I had never heard one song by Miranda or Blake before tonight, I found myself tapping to the beat to a lot of the songs.

I think the crowd appreciated the younger acts, as many of them said tonight. If you don’t know who these singers are, check them out online or buy their albums — especially if you enjoy country music.

Did you go to the concert? If so, please share your thoughts on the show. I would love to hear from you!

– Michelle Swartz

Affordable fun at the fair

Monday, July 28th, 2008

Evening News reporter Ray Kisonas spent time at the fairgrounds Sunday, in search of novelties and things to do and buy for less than a price of gas. Roasted peanuts and pony rides were among his finds. Check out today’s Evening News for more or go to the story at monroenews.com.

Today’s Evening News: parade advance and more

Friday, July 25th, 2008

There are several stories in today’s Monroe Evening News that are fair-related. On page 1A, we have stories about a new diesel-locomotive for the train rides, a preview of Sunday’s parade, the first 4-H winners of this year’s fair and a longtime fair official, Larry Hammons, being in the hospital. Several more fair stories are planned in the coming days.

- Doug Donnelly

Will you see Blake Shelton eating a corn dog?

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

I had a 10-minute conversation yesterday with Blake Shelton about his upcoming performance at the county fair. I’ve been trying for months to arrange interviews with Blake and Miranda Lambert. Couldn’t get it scheduled with Miranda, but Blake called me Wednesday and we chatted. Sounds like a real genuine guy. Watch for the interview, which will run in Monday’s Evening News.

For now, I’ll just tell you that if you are at the fair Monday, you might catch Blake checking out some livestock or grabbing some of that delicious fair food.

- Doug Donnelly

County fair nearly here

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

The Evening News today is publishing a special section previewing the 2008 Monroe County Fair. Combined with stories on page 1A about the return of the Clydesdales and a package on 1C about the entertainment and its clear to see the fair is rapidly approaching here in Monroe! Check back here and in the daily paper for plenty of fair coverage.

- Doug Donnelly

Hello Fair fans

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008

The 2008 Monroe County Fair opens this weekend.