Fair to feature country music icon

Most people will agree that there has been a drought of fun over the past year. But that dry spell is about to be over as officials with the Steele County Free Fair aim to bring back the fun this summer.
And they’re doing it in a big way.
Last week fair officials announced it has secured a major headline act by bringing country music icon Craig Morgan to the grandstand. He will perform Friday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m.
Tickets for the show went on sale Saturday morning at www.scff.org. The tickets will range from $25 to $35, according to Scott Kozelka, fair manager.
Morgan is one of the country music’s best-loved artists and has charted 25 songs on Billboard. He thrills massive crowds with signature hits including “Bonfire,” “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
Morgan recently released his first new music in more than three years—the faith-filled tribute to his son Jerry, “The Father, My Son and the Holy Ghost.” The song hit No. 1 on iTunes All Genres Top Songs Chart as Blake Sheldon led a viral campaign that gained support from the entertainment community.
Morgan received one of country music’s highest honors when he was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.
He is a TV personality, celebrated outdoorsman and patriotic Army veteran. Before becoming a country music star, Morgan spent 17 years serving in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves. He remains an avid supporter of America’s military personnel and has made 16 overseas trips to perform for troops.
Kozelka said Morgan is the biggest music act since he has been involved with the fair and perhaps one of the greatest acts in the fair’s history. Kozelka ranks this up there with other music artists like Charlie Daniels and George Jones, who performed at the fair years ago.
“Morgan is a great promoter of being a veteran, family and faith,” said Kozelka. “This is what the Steele County Free Fair is. This is what we’re trying to promote.”
The fair tried to bring back Chris Hawkey, who performed at the 2019 fair. But due to scheduling conflicts, Hawkey was unable to return. Kozelka said that gave the fair the opportunity to look to see what else was available.
Fair officials worked with a promoter who provided them with a list of 10 performers. Kozelka said they were always drawn back to Morgan because of his background “as a military guy, family man and great faith person.”
The sponsors of Morgan’s act are Fastenal, Wenger’s Corporation, Let’s Ride, Cole Electric and Olympic Fire Protection. “They have all helped us bring in quality entertainment,” Kozelka said.
“We are all excited to bring some excitement to the fair and allowing people to get out and have some fun,” said Kozelka, adding the fair’s theme this year is “Bringing Back the Fun in 2021.”
The fair also announced Hairball will return for a 20th-anniversary show on Thursday, Aug. 19.