Sat 08/09/08 Umatilla County Fair - Hermiston OR

http://www.co.umatilla.or.us/fair.htm


Umatilla County Fair Board releases this year's lineup

By Kathy Aney
The East Oregonian

Kellie Pickler, who sang in the fifth season of American Idol, will headline the Umatilla County Fair entertainment in August. Since coming in sixth on the reality show, the country singer sold more than 700,000 copies of her album "Small Town Girl."

The Umatilla County Fair Board announced Pickler's performance and the rest of the entertainment menu at Saturday night's coronation ceremony. The musical lineup kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 5, with country singer/songwriter Clay Walker.

Williams and Ree, a comedy-musical team dubbed "The Indian and the White Guy," will take the Main Stage on Thursday. The duo met in college and attracted audiences for their unique style.

On Friday, Blue Oyster Cult will bring its classic rock sound to the fair. The band, a pioneer in heavy metal music, formed in 1972 and is known for hits such as "Don't Fear The Reaper" and "Burning for You." The band has produced more than 20 albums.

Wednesday evening is reserved for Hispanic bands as a grand finale to Fiesta Day and, Saturday evening, Pickler will sing to fairground audiences.

Joanna Hayden, office assistant , said the fair board and staff are looking forward to fair time.

"We're excited for this year," she said.

Hayden said the headliners are just part of the week's rich entertainment lineup. On the fairground's smaller stages and exhibition halls, fairgoers will find dance, juggling, animal-handling, robotics, clowns and other acts and demonstrations.

Highlights include the Funny Juggler, Paul Isaak - a comedic, sword-swallowing, fire-eating juggler. Kids and adults will find Walk on the Wild Side, an exotic animal exhibition and petting zoo in a tent near the main gate.

The K9 Kings is the invention of disc golfer J.D. Platt. Platt's dogs snatch Frisbees from the air after going airborne. A team of robots from Atlas Robotics and an interactive activity called "Let's Pretend" promise to engage the young and young at heart.

Hayden said carnival bracelets are available at the fair office for $20. The price goes up to $25 on Aug. 4.

Concert tickets will come available on April 14 for reserved seats. Cost is $10.

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