Country music recording artist Wade Hayes will perform Wednesday evening as part of the Jefferson County Fair. Courtesy photo
LEETOWN – Country music fans can expect to see artist Wade Hayes take the stage at the Jefferson County Fair Wednesday, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Hayes’ debut single, “Old enough to know better,” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles in 1994. From the album of the same name, the song joined three additional top ten singles from that album. Hayes continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and later founded the duo McHayes with Mark McClung, Alan Jackson’s fiddler.
Hayes later joined the backing band of Alabama lead singer Randy Owen in the late 2000s. In 2011, he was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer.
In recent years, the singer/songwriter has navigated a complicated journey that has produced some of the most powerful songs of his career. Surviving stage IV colon cancer, not just once, but twice, has given him a unique perspective on the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. He has incorporated this perspective into his musical work and will bring it to the fair stage.
“We are delighted to welcome the talents of Wade Hayes to the 69th annual Jefferson County Fair,” shared Todd Wilt, manager of the fair. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy what is sure to be a fantastic evening.”
Beginning Saturday week, the Little Miss Jefferson County Fair begins at 1:30 p.m., followed that evening by the Miss Jefferson County Fair pageant at 6:30 p.m. Sunday brings to the stage the contestants of the Miss Jefferson County Fair pageant — a newly added age group for pageant competitions. The pageants are scheduled to end Sunday at 6:30 p.m., when the Miss Jefferson County Junior winner will be crowned.
Following tradition, the Jefferson County Middle and High School Bands will perform during the first part of the fair week. On Monday, Shepherdstown Middle School will kick off at 6 p.m., followed by the Wildwood Middle School band at 6:45 p.m. and Jefferson High’s Jazz Band performing at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday will begin with the Harpers Ferry Middle School band at 6 p.m., followed by Charles Town Middle at 6:45 p.m., and concluding with the Washington High School band performing at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to Hayes’ performance, the fair stage will feature a musical performance by the Revolution Band on Thursday evening starting at 7:30 p.m. The band offers a wide variety of music from the hits of the 70s to the present day. The band is a welcome repeat performer at the Jefferson County Fair.
Each of the musical performances of the week is included in the general price of the entrance to the fair.
Other entertainment options are available throughout the week for those looking for a change of pace from the musical acts. The burnout contest will take place again on Sunday evening at 7pm in the arena area. Bull riding is scheduled for Monday at 7:30pm in the arena, while the ever-popular demolition derby returns to the arena on Tuesday at 7:00pm.
Tractor and truck runs take part at different times of the week, and the living history performance by Mark Dudrow and his horse, Eve, will return on August 27 at 10am.
Carnival night rides are offered throughout the week, with all-night specials on Monday and Wednesday, as well as children’s afternoon prices on the final Saturday of the fair.
For a complete schedule of events, visit the Jefferson County Fair Facebook page.
