FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2008

2008 N.C. State Fair entertainment lineup
offers a mix of music, food

RALEIGH- The 2008 N.C. State Fair entertainment lineup will bring a mix of country music stars, an R&B singer, Christian rockers, a television chef, and a North Carolina native, to the stage in Dorton Arena.

Contemporary Christian singer Toby Mac will hit the stage on Saturday, Oct. 18, and will perform some of his biggest hits.

World-renowned chef Bobby Flay will add some extra spice to the entertainment mix on Monday, Oct. 20. The host of "Throwdown! With Bobby Flay" and "Boy Meets Grill with Bobby Flay" will be cooking up some culinary treats on stage in Dorton Arena.

Rockingham native and "American Idol" finalist, Bucky Covington will show his unique country-rock flair on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Covington will perform hits off his debut album, including "A Different World" and "Its Good to Be Us."

Smooth R&B singer Mario, who appeared on "Dancing with the Stars" this year, will perform Thursday, Oct. 23, and Christian rock groups Skillet and Leeland will take the stage Friday, Oct. 24.

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $5 to $31.50 and can be purchased online only at www.ncstatefair.org beginning Aug.1 at 8 a.m. Any concert tickets remaining after the start of the Fair can be purchased at the Dorton Arena Box Office. Remaining tickets will likely be limited, so purchasing online and in advance is recommended.

Full Entertainment Lineup
Thursday, Oct. 16: Josh Turner - $22
Friday, Oct. 17: Jason Aldean - $15
Saturday, Oct. 18: Toby Mac - $10
Sunday, Oct. 19: Lady Antebellum and Heidi Newfield - $8
Monday, Oct. 20: Bobby Flay - $22
Tuesday, Oct. 21: Bucky Covington - $5
Wednesday, Oct. 22: TBA
Thursday, Oct. 23: Mario - $16.50
Friday, Oct. 24: Skillet and Leeland - $8
Saturday, Oct. 25: Joe Nichols - $11.50
Sunday, Oct. 26: Montgomery Gentry - $31.50

-snd-