Concerts, cowboys, contests and more

BROOKSVILLE -- Although the Hernando County Fair and Youth Livestock Show is by no means a spectator sport, there will be plenty of opportunities to just sit back and watch a show this year.

With concerts, contests, rodeos and motocross, the fair's entertainment lineup spans a wide range of interests.

Audiences can hear a reunion of former members of the country rock Mad Beach Band -- T.C. Carr, Pete Merrigan and Lenny Austin.

"The prospect of having these guys come together is really exciting," said concert organizer Arline Erdrich. "It's just going to be a really great time."

The show will benefit the Coalition for Anti-Urban Sprawl Effort, said Erdrich, who is spokeswoman for the group.

"It's a chance to see a great concert and do something worthwhile," she said.

Shows will be at 2 and 8 p.m. April 26 and at 2 p.m. April 27. Tickets are $12 at the gate and include fair admission. Advance tickets are $10.

On another musical note, local singers will compete for more than $1,500 in prizes at the fair's karaoke contest. Prizes will be awarded for best female, male, group and child performances. Preliminary competitions begin at 6 p.m. today, and the finals are at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in McKethan Auditorium.

All kinds of Hernando County talent will have a chance to shine at the talent show. Preliminary competitions are at 6 p.m. today, and the finals are at 6 p.m. Monday in McKethan Auditorium.

On Saturday, the new Miss Hernando County Fair will be crowned after the annual beauty pageant at 6 p.m. Contestants will compete for the honor in McKethan Auditorium.

In keeping with this year's "Wild and Western" theme, the West Coast Mounted Shooting Association will perform Wild West Gunslinger Shootouts throughout the fair. Look for them on the fairgrounds after the opening ceremonies tonight, then from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Friday and from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday.

During the first weekend of the fair, more than 400 rodeo riders are expected to compete for about $500,000 during the Southeastern PCA Championship Rodeo.

Besides professional rodeo riders, some local riders will have a chance to show their stuff in the 5,000-seat ring Friday and Saturday nights.

"They'll ride right along the professionals," said Deb Pedone, president of the Hernando County Fair Association.

In addition, Pedone said there will be rodeo clowns and interactive events for children.

During the week, the ring will go through an amazing transformation. After the rodeo, 1,500 yards of clay will be brought in to form the jumps and berms necessary for the motocross events on April 25 and 27.

"There will be thrills and chills and jumps," said Pedone. "These events are really popular."

On April 24 and 25, students from the Central and Springstead high school ROTC programs will compete for cash in fair games such as the greasy egg and spoon race, the monster tire race and balloon shaving.

"It's a chance for them to make some money and a chance for people to cheer them on," Pedone said.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright