Thousands expected at Berkeley County Youth Fair

July 29, 2004|by BECKY JEFFERIES/Staff Writer

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Country music singer David Lee Murphy will headline the entertainment lineup at the upcoming 57th annual Berkeley County Youth Fair in Martinsburg.

The youth fair begins Sunday, Aug. 1, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Youth Fairgrounds on Golf Course Road.

While 3,000 to 4,000 people are expected to gather for such daily activities as eating contests and livestock exhibits, about 5,000 country music fans are anticipated for the free Wednesday night concert featuring Murphy and Lee Roy Parnell, said Steve Linton, president of the fair. The concert will begin at 8 p.m.

Murphy's album, "Tryin' To Get There," features the hit single "Loco" and 11 other original songs. Murphy collaborated with late country musician Waylon Jennings on the album's title track, according to Murphy's Web site at www.davidlee.com.

Guitarist, singer and songwriter Parnell is known for his eclectic style - he plays Southern boogie, blues, swing, rock and soul - and guitar work on albums by musicians Trisha Yearwood, Bob Seger and Mary Chapin Carpenter, according to his Web site at www.leeroyparnell.com.

Other fair entertainment will include a carnival, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, bull riding and the 44th annual Miss Youth Fair Contest.

"(Tractor pulls) sure do appeal to a lot of people, but meals are a big draw, too," said Ruthie Haden, fair first vice president.

In addition to fair concessions, a chicken barbecue is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 4, and a beef barbecue is set for Friday, Aug. 6.

The fair's first fireworks display in seven years will cap off the event Aug. 7, Linton said.

The 2004 fair is dedicated to Gus R. Douglas, who is serving his ninth term as West Virginia agriculture commissioner. Douglas will attend the fair Monday, Aug. 2.

If you go ...

57th annual Berkeley County Youth Fair
Sunday, Aug. 1, through Saturday, Aug. 7

Youth Fairgrounds
Golf Course Road
Martinsburg, W.Va.

General admission is $5 for ages 13 and older.

For more information, go to www.berkeleycountyyouthfair.org on the Web or call 1-304-263-5869.

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