Stovall headlines Thursday at County Fair

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Wednesday was the official opening day of the 160 Van Wert County Fair, but today things really get going, with Veterans Day, Senior Citizens Day, and Kids Day all designated Thursday, with a full schedule of events, including the Natalie Stovall and the Drive concert tonight in front of the grandstand.

On Wednesday, animals were weighed in and most events got officially underway, including the midway, school exhibit, and some competition judging. Adults and kids alike got into the fun during the Calf Scramble, which was held in front of the grandstand Wednesday evening.

Kids ages 7-10 got to (attempt to) catch pigs, those 11-14 took on lambs, while kids high school age (15-18) and adults both tried to corral calves.

Today’s events include a Veterans Day Parade and special entertainment for vets in the Music Pavilion, stating at 8:30 this morning. The Junior Fair Turkey Show begins at 9 a.m., while FFA Shop & Crop and Vegetable & Flower competitions will be judged.

Free ham and beans and cornbread will be served to veterans, beginning at noon, while harness racing gets underway today, starting at 1 p.m., in front of the grandstand.

A Junior Fair alpaca demonstration will be held at 5 p.m. in the Farm Focus Arena, while the Junior Fair Sheep Show begins at 7 p.m. today in the Sheep Arena.

The Natalie Stovall and the Drive concert will take place at 8 p.m. in front of the grandstand.

Whether it’s Stovall’s breathtaking vocals and larger-than-life stage presence, her band’s turbo-charged, take-no-prisoners live shows, or their barnstorming worldwide tours, the group proves it’s arena ready.

Although she can seem larger than life onstage, the Columbia, Tennessee, native is down home and easygoing as can be, while her powerful vocals and sparkling fiddle leave audiences spellbound.

Stovall began playing fiddle professionally when she was 10, and has performed everywhere from the White House to “The Oprah Winfrey Show”.

“I started violin lessons at the age of four after my granny saw an ad in the Columbia paper for a new violin teacher in town,” Stovall said. “Looking back, I’m not even sure if I really knew what I was getting into. I think I just knew it involved me being on stage, and that’s all I needed.”

Her musical influences range from Shania Twain and Garth Brooks to pop legends such as Michael Jackson and Aerosmith, but her country roots run deep.

“Growing up performing at Opryland, I was always around the Opry and following all the country stars… . I spent hours dreaming of being on that stage.”

The Drive’s seven-year journey has been forged like fine steel, with the durable attributes of family values and hard work. In addition to Stovall, the group includes drummer James Bavendam, Miguel Cancino on guitar, and guitarist and vocalist Joel Dormer.

Tickets range from $8 for include/box seating, to $12 for track seating (bring a chair).