Country music acts dominate lineup

SEDALIA, Mo. -- Long an entertainment mainstay at the Missouri State Fair, country music again dominates the 2003 schedule.

Of the eight musical acts slated for the fair's main stage, six are country stars -- including the Academy of Country Music's top male and top female vocalists for 2003 -- Kenny Chesney and Martina McBride.

Sawyer Brown kicks off the entertainment schedule Aug. 7. The next day, Chesney, ACM's top male vocalist of the year, takes the stage.

Crosby, Stills and Nash will give crowds their first taste of something other than country on Aug. 9.

One of country music's living legends, Hank Williams Jr., is the featured act Aug. 10. Clay Walker and Sammy Kershaw bring music back to the grandstand Aug. 12.

On Aug. 14, Montgomery Gentry and Trick Pony are the main attractions, and Aug. 15 will feature McBride, the ACM's top female vocalist of 2003.

The Goo Goo Dolls and Sugar Ray will close out the musical part of the grandstand schedule on Aug. 16, with special guest Uncle Kracker.

The Missouri state auto racing championships will be decided on Aug. 17 to close out the festivities.

Most of the shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online, through the mail or at the grandstand box office.

------

On the Net

Missouri State Fair: www.mostatefair.com