Fairbury Fair: Popular musician headlines 145-year-old fair

FAIRBURY, Ill. — A country artist who has garnered 15 No. 1 singles, sold over 16 million albums and won multiple ACM, CMA and AMA awards will be headlining the Fairbury Fair in Livingston County.

John Michael Montgomery with central Illinois-based Feudin’ Hillbillys will perform in front of the historic covered grandstand on Friday, Aug. 19.

Since his days when “Life’s a Dance” turned him from an unknown artist into a national star, he’s followed with hits including “I Swear,” “I Love the Way You Love Me,” “The Little Girl,” “Be My Baby Tonight” and “I Can Love You Like That.”

His 2004 hit “Letters from Home” was one of the most moving tributes to the connection between soldiers and their families ever recorded.

The Feudin’ Hillbillys mix quite a bit of country with a little pop, some classic rock and ‘80s favorites, along with a touch of funk.

They have opened in concerts for Luke Bryan, Neal McCoy, Montgomery Gentry, Mark Chestnut, Tracy Lawrence, Diamond Rio and several other artists.

Classic rock fans can take a step back in time to be entertained by Rolling Stones and REO Speedwagon tribute bands.

Richrath Project 3:13 will perform Aug. 19 in the beer tent beginning at 9:30 p.m.

Michael Jahnz was a lead vocalist for Gary Richrath, former lead guitarist and song writer for REO Speedwagon. They toured together for over a decade as the Gary Richrath Band. Jahnz and his Richrath Project 3:13 continue to honor the memory of the late Gary Richrath at every show.

Satisfaction/The International Rolling Stones Show are on tap to perform in the beer tent on Aug. 20 after the races at approximately 9:30 p.m.

This Billboard & Pollstar highly rated show are entering their 20th year in production with over 4,000 performances. The group received its highest accolades ever in 2010 when it was approved by the Rolling Stones to perform long-term engagements with the Walt Disney Corporation.

The 145-year-old Fairbury Fair runs Wednesday through Sunday, Aug. 17-21.

Each day is packed with daily activities including livestock, culinary, textile, floriculture, fine arts, vegetable and other judging contests.

There also will be a talent show and plenty of other daily entertainment.

The ever-popular Smoke on the Midway Backyard and Kids BBQ Contest is Saturday, Aug. 20. The contest is sanctioned and judged by KCBS.

For more information, visit www.thefairburyfair.com.