SEMO fair banking on idols

"American Idol" just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

And this year the SEMO District Fair is hoping two former "Idol" contestants and a blind country legend can help fill the grandstand seats.

The fair announced its entertainment line-up in May for the Sept. 9-16 event. Of course, the music kicks off like it always does, with our own local version of "American Idol," the Heartland Idol competition on Sept. 13.

Country star Ronnie Milsap (you might remember him as the guy with the big sunglasses who plays piano) follows up on Sept. 14.

The comes more Idol -- season two Marine contestant Josh Gracin takes the stage Sept. 15 and season four rocker Bo Bice is up Sept. 16. Sorry, no Simon Cowell.

For those who don't care about the tunes, there will also be two nights of truck and tractor pulls on Sept. 9 and 11 and a demo derby on Sept. 12.

Tickets go on sale July 19. For more information call 334.9250.