The weather outside may not feel very summer like today but the action at the 122nd South Mountain Fair, which kicks off today, will be red hot.
Highlights of this year’s fair include a Midway (now open), Truck and Tractor pull (tonight at 7pm), Demolition Derby (Friday at 7pm), Greasy Pig competition (Saturday at 2:30pm) and plenty of agricultural exhibits to showcase some of our region’s greatest assets.
The Reasons
For those, like us, that love live music this years fair will have plenty to satisfy your appetite. Kicking off the entertainment on Friday night are The Reasons, a 3-piece 50′s to 80′s rock n’ roll party group out of Prince Edward County. With music ranging from Buddy Holly to Grand Funk Railroad these guys are sure to keep the crowd dancing till the cows come home…or the rooster crows, whichever comes first!
Bobby Wills
Blackwell Band
The party continues Saturday evening when our friend and reigning CCMA Male Artist of the Year Bobby Wills comes to town. We interviewed Bobby in the spring and had the opportunity to meet with him after his performance at the Calabogie Country Music Festival and all we’ll say is that we’re not “crazy enough” to miss this show and neither should you, remember if you don’t go “somebody will” (see what I did there?). Following Bobby is the greatest country power trio to hit the music scene since The Band Perry, Blackwell Band! This group is racing up the country music charts with their debut single “Redneck Style” which was released on Canada Day. If you’re looking for a party then be sure to head straight to South Mountain on Saturday night because these guys (and Gal) are bringing it, guaranteed! We recently spoke to Blackwell about their music and their influences and some other cool stuff you’ve always wanted to know about the band…or not. You can check out the interview here: Introducing Blackwell Band! Bobby takes to the stage at 8pm on Saturday with Blackwell Band taking the party into the night starting at 10pm.
Gail Gavan
Bill Anderson
The music continues Sunday afternoon with Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee, Gail Gaven & The Ryan Bros followed by Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and member of the Grand Ole Opry “Whispering” Bill Anderson. In 1995 Billboard Magazine named four of Anderson’s compositions “City Lights”, “Once A Day”, “Still” and “Mama Sang a Song” among the top 20 Country Songs of the past 35-years. No other songwriter had as many songs listed. You may recognize his songs “Wish You Were Here” (performed by Mark Wills) and the Grammy Nominated “Two Teardrops” (performed by Steve Wariner) or perhaps the song Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss lent their voices to “Whiskey Lullaby” written by Anderson and Jon Randall and George Straights “Give it Away” which he co-wrote with Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson both of which the CMA for Song of the Year the latter of the two earned Anderson his fourth Grammy nomination. Anderson takes to the stage at 4pm Sunday afternoon and if you love country music you’ll want to be there!
The best part about the South Mountain fair? The price! Most fairs have you pay one price for admission, another for concerts and, if you have kids, plan to remortgage the house to afford the midway. At South Mountain you pay for the day ($20) or the weekend ($50) and get unlimited access to everything!
For a full listing of all the events and activities for the whole family to enjoy be sure to visit www.southmountainfair.ca.
