District fair act replaced

Billy Currington bowed out of his appearance at the SEMO District Fair, but CMA-award winner Blake Shelton has been lined up to replace him.

Currington, who missed several concerts earlier this summer reportedly for laryngitis, has canceled the remainder of his 2007 tour. He was slated to take the SEMO District Fair's grandstand Sept. 13.

Fair spokesman Pete Poe said he learned of the cancellation at 4 p.m. Wednesday; Thursday he announced Shelton's show.

"We did spend a lot of time on the telephone," he said.

Those who already bought tickets to see Currington are being contacted and offered the choice between getting a refund and seeing Shelton at the same price. Call 334-9250 or (800) 455-3247 for details.

-- Southeast Missourian