State Fair announces 2007 nightly entertainment lineup

RALEIGH - The 2007 N.C. State Fair will showcase an exciting blend of Southern flavor, as Dorton Arena hosts TV cooking personality Paula Deen, contemporary Christian acts, an “American Idol” champ, country stars and three entertainers that call North Carolina home.

“We are proud once again to host entertainers who are returning to their home state,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Kellie Pickler, Daughtry and Anthony Hamilton all have roots in our state, and I am looking forward to the diverse entertainment that they and the other performers will bring to the State Fair.”

Christian band MercyMe, known for such hits as “I Can Only Imagine” and “So Long Self,” will kick off the series Friday, Oct. 12, followed by country songbird Sara Evans on Oct. 13. Soulful crooner and 2003 “American Idol” champion Ruben Studdard will take the stage Oct. 14, followed by Josh Turner on Oct. 15. Turner is known for such hit country singles as “Your Man” and “Would You Go With Me.”

Albemarle native Kellie Pickler will perform hits from her debut album Oct. 16. Paula Deen, of Food Network fame, will cook up an evening of delicious food and down-home humor Oct. 17. R&B star and Charlotte native Anthony Hamilton will follow on Oct. 18 with hits from his album, “Ain’t Nobody Worryin’.” Christian music legend Steven Curtis Chapman will perform a selection of hits from his 20-year career Oct. 19.

Christian rock band Day of Fire will open for fellow rockers Daughtry on Oct. 20. Daughtry will perform such hits as “It’s Not Over” and “Home.” Country star Trace Adkins, known for such hits as “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” “Ladies Love Country Boys” and “Every Light in the House,” will wrap up the series on Oct. 21.

Tickets can only be purchased online at www.ncstatefair.org, and will go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. Prices will range from $5 to $20. If any tickets remain when the Fair starts, they may be purchased from the box office at the fairgrounds. Fair admission is required for all concerts. All shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

2007 State Fair Lineup:
Oct. 12: MercyMe, $10
Oct. 13: Sara Evans $15
Oct. 14: Ruben Studdard, $10
Oct. 15: Josh Turner, $10
Oct. 16: Kellie Pickler, $5
Oct. 17: Paula Deen, $20
Oct. 18: Anthony Hamilton, $15
Oct. 19: Steven Curtis Chapman, $10
Oct. 20: Daughtry, $20
Oct. 21: Trace Adkins, $20

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