Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 28, 1995 TAG: 9507280028
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: DONNA ALVIS-BANKS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Long
You ain't seen nothin' yet.
The New River Valley Fair - summer's hottest event - opens Monday and runs through Aug. 5 at the fairgrounds in Dublin.
Each year, the fair books some country music crowd-pleasers, including both new and veteran performers. This year's topliners are Ricky Skaggs, the Charlie Daniels Band and Ken Mellons.
Charlie Daniels - that fiddlin' Dixie demon - kicks off the musical entertainment with concerts Wednesday at 7 and 9 p.m. The undisputed king of Southern country rock, Daniels produced such mega-hits as "The South's Gonna Do It Again, " "In America" and "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."
Daniels started writing and pitching songs nearly 40 years ago. In 1964, Elvis Presley recorded one of his numbers. In 1967, the North Carolina native went to Nashville where some music producers accused him of playing "too loud."
Daniels is still putting the pedal to the metal. In 1992, he produced his debut on Liberty Records, "America, I Believe in You," a typically hard-driving, emphatic, fulminating country rock album.
Along with the Charlie Daniels Band, New River Valley Fair audiences will be treated to concerts by Ricky Skaggs ("Country Boy," Lovin' Only Me") and Ken Mellons ("Lookin' in the Same Direction," "Jukebox Junkie").
Although he recently produced his debut album, Ken Mellons is no newcomer to country music. The country singer actually grew up in Nashville and says he started wearing cowboy hats and boots to school when he was in first grade.
"In all the pictures of me as a little boy, I've got a guitar in my hand," Mellons says. "I've just always loved music. All I can ever remember wanting to do is sing and play country music."
The musical entertainment is just part of the week's sizzling fun. A demolition derby, Toyota stunt show, horse pull and rousing rides are among the attractions.
An antique tractor pull is one of the preliminary activities Saturday. The midway opens Monday with carnival rides each day through Aug. 5.
Exhibit halls are open nightly, 5 to 11 p.m., starting Monday. The country fair exhibits showcase everything from roses to rhubarb!
Don't forget to take in the livestock shows and special events, either. A livestock photography contest, pet show, even a Nigerian Dwarf goat show are planned.
For times and admission prices to all of the events at the New River Valley Fair, see the schedule in today's Current.
Fair Schedule
4 p.m.: Main gate opens for preliminary events.
5 p.m.: Antique Tractor Pull.
Gate admission: Children under 6 admitted free. $2 for all others.
Monday
1-8 p.m.: Art work entries, produce and homemaking exhibits received (main gate).
4 p.m.: Main gate opens.
6-11 p.m.: All-American Shows ride special. Pay one price, $10, plus gate admission.
6 p.m.: Youth Goat Show.
7 p.m.: Demolition Derby.
Gate admission: Children 11 and under admitted free. $5 for others. Gate admission includes grandstand seating at performances. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tuesday
9 a.m.: American Dairy Goat Show.
Noon: Main gate opens.
Noon-3 p.m.: Free gate admission.
1 p.m.: Nigerian Dwarf Goat Show.
2 p.m: All-American Shows ride special. Pay one price, $10, and ride until closing. Gate admission added after 3 p.m.
6 p.m.: Pet Show.
7 p.m.: Confederate Cloggers.
8 p.m.: Toyota Hollywood Stunt Show.
Gate admission: Children 11 and under admitted free. $5 for others. Gate admission includes grandstand seating at performances. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wednesday
9 a.m.: Nigerian Dwarf Goat Show.
4 p.m.: Main gate opens.
6-11 p.m.: All-American Shows ride special. Pay one price, $10, plus gate admission.
7 and 9 p.m.: The Charlie Daniels Band in concert.
Gate admission: Children 11 and under admitted free. $5 for others. Gate admission includes grandstand seating at performances. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reserve chair seating for The Charlie Daniels Band is $7 per show. 674-1548.
Thursday
4 p.m.: Main gate opens.
6-11 p.m.: All-American Shows ride special. Pay one price, $10, plus gate admission.
7 p.m.: Lamb and Wool on Parade.
8 p.m.: Horse Pull.
Gate admission: Children 11 and under admitted free. $5 for others. Gate admission includes grandstand seating at performances. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Aug. 4
9 a.m.: Open Sheep Show Contest.
2 p.m.: Stockman's Contest.
4 p.m.: Main gate opens.
6 p.m.: Beef Show.
6-11 p.m.: All-American Shows ride special. Pay one price, $10, plus gate admission.
7 and 9 p.m.: Ricky Skaggs in concert.
Gate admission: Children 11 and under admitted free. $5 for others. Gate admission includes grandstand seating at performances. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reserve chair seating for the Ricky Skaggs concert is $6 per show. 674-1548.
Aug. 5
9 a.m.: Market Lamb Show.
Noon: Main gate opens with free gate admission until 3 p.m.
2 p.m. until closing: All-American Shows ride special. Pay one price, $10, plus gate admission after 3 p.m.
8 p.m.: Ken Mellons in concert.
Gate admission: Children 11 and under admitted free. $5 for others. Gate admission includes grandstand seating at performances. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reserve chair seating for the Ken Mellons concert is $5. 674-1548.
The New River Valley Fair will be held at the New River Valley Fairgrounds in Dublin. From Interstate 81, take Exit 98. The fairgrounds are four miles north of Dublin on Virginia 100. Call 674-1548 for more information.
by CNB