ATTRACTIONS & PERFORMANCES
ARlo mckinley
"McKinley's latest for Oh Boy Records solidifies his place as one of the most exciting new voices in country and Americana…McKinley outpaces his previous musical efforts, further proving his ability to forge potent, impactful songs from moments of pain, loss, joy and longing" --Billboard
Arlo McKinley was the last artist signed by John Prine and his son Jody Whelan to the independent record label Oh Boy Records. McKinley has shared stages opening for Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell, Justin Townes Earle, John Moreland, Jamey Johnson and more. In 2014, McKinley released his first album, titled Arlo McKinley & The Lonesome Sound.
McKinley released his sophomore album, Die Midwestern, as his Oh Boy Records debut on August 14, 2020. He recorded the album at Sam Phillips Recording Studio with Grammy-winning producer Matt Ross-Spang and professional musicians Ken Coomer (Wilco), Rick Steff (Hank Williams Jr.), Reba Russell (Johnny Cash), Will Sexton, David Smith and Jessie Munson. Writing for Fader Magazine, Alex Robert Ross commented on Die Midwestern being, "...a raw but perfectly balanced album laced with existential crises, addictions, and world-weary resilience."
2022 brought the release of McKinley's third album, This Mess We're In, produced by Matt Ross-Spang and the same all-star band on his previous record. McKinley drew writing inspiration according to NPR Music, from "...the loss of several loved ones, including his mother and multiple friends."
DIAMONDS & WHISKEY
Diamonds & Whiskey are a combination of barroom beauty and backwoods danger, beauty queen and hell raiser alike.
Diamonds & Whiskey channel swampy guitar riffs and electrifying fiddle runs. They're glazed with siren vocals and hard cost lyrics to create a truly country sound with a delightful twist. Descriptions of the Diamonds & Whiskey alchemy include classic alternative-country, swampy New Orleans rooted rock with Indie sensibility, yet mainstream enough to please almost any ear. Lead singer Jenny's presence is enthralling; the pleasuring and forceful kick of her words, as well as her vocal ability, will capture the heart of any country or rock fan. Diamonds & Whiskey is as valuable as their name implies; it's live-to-tell music worth experiencing, as every moment can spill over into a rich feeling of good changes coming and life well worth loving.
CODY MORGAN
Cody is an alt-pop artist originally from right here in good ol' Hazard, Kentucky. Writing music since he was 11 years old, he’s always found a comfort and freedom in putting his thoughts down through lyrics. He’s been able to add "award winning songwriter and vocalist" to his resume many times. He spends a lot of his time engaging with his following online, having amassed over 30 thousand followers on Tik Tok. Usually listed under the heading of "country" music, Cody isn’t a one-trick pony. Known to bend and blend genres, he’s ready to build the perfect story in any style. Come out and see another up-and-coming Perry County native...at the Perry County Fair!
MIDLIFE CRISIS
Originally formed in 2002, Midlife Crisis is one of Kentucky's premier classic rock bands. With influences like Whitesnake, Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Journey, Foreigner, Boston, AC/DC (oh, you get the picture!), they're one heck of a rock-and-roll band. And, of course, they're all local boys, too! Saturday night--BE THERE!
PETTING ZOO
Our new petting zoo provider is Hillview Stables out of London, KY. Possible animals provided to pet include a kangaroo, camel, yak, water buffalo, llama, emu and an ostrich just to name a few, including any new babies that happen to be born prior to our fair date. Petting is free but you can also buy feed to entice the animals to you! In addition, they will offer pony and steer rides for a $5 fee.
RE/MAX BALLOON
WEATHER PERMITTING! It’s one of the most recognized corporate symbols on the planet...and understandably so. At seven stories tall, the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon grabs attention wherever it flies! First introduced at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in 1978, the balloon perfectly represented the RE/MAX network’s “Above the Crowd” commitment to quality. Today, the 120 RE/MAX Hot Air Balloons in operation comprise the largest fleet on the planet.
Free tethered rides will give you a great view of the Perry County Fair! This MAY take place on Saturday evening, beginning at 6:00 p.m., WEATHER PERMITTING, until the pilot runs out of fuel, in the field below the softball field (near the Tourism building on the hill across from the pool).
DISC-CONNECTED K9S
The Perry County Fair Board of Directors is dedicated to providing entertainment that many people from our neck of the woods might not otherwise be able to see in person. We look for exciting, fun acts offered by companies of good character. This year, our search led us to Disc-Connected K9s. They are the most professional and accomplished frisbee dog team in the world! With over 10,000 shows to their credit, more than 160 appearances in the Frisbee Dog World Finals, the most World Champion Dogs and Championships appearances, and trainer Lawrence as a “Disc-Dog Hall of Fame Member,” they are truly an entertaining show to for young and old alike. Shows are choreographed to music and each dog has his or her own specialty routines and tricks. That means every show has completely different dogs performing a completely different show for your viewing pleasure. And it's all free! These dogs and their humans are guaranteed to put a smile on your face and in your hearts that will last a lifetime!
You can check them out at this link: https://youtu.be/zKXxJRahgRw
NERVELESS NOCKS
As seen on "America's Got Talent"
The Nerveless Nocks are descendants of the Swiss Circus Family Nock and are among the most respected aerial stunt artists in the world today. Since 1954, The Nerveless Nocks have been thrilling audiences across the United States, Canada, Mexico and world-wide. In every theme park, state fair, theater and circus where they've appeared and headlined, the fully produced arena show has set records for enthusiastic public response, attendance and publicity. Last year, they were even contestants on America's Got Talent! Although they were put through to the next round, father Michaelangelo became ill and they were unable to compete further. The Nerveless Nocks Thrill Shows has been the most successful continuing attraction ever presented in any amusement park or fair, world-wide. And you get to see them right here, for free, at the Perry County Fair!
TRACKLESS TRAIN
Tired? Wanna get off your feet for a few minutes? Hop on board our free trackless train. This two-car beauty will haul you from one end of the park to the other. Save yourself a few steps and catch a ride! Loading sites will be marked but the train will basically run from the pool area to the skateboard park area.
CRUIZE IN
Every year since its inception, the Fair has hosted a "Cruize In," inviting anyone in the Perry County area to bring in their classic cars, trucks and motorcycles to display to the public. On Thursday, June 15, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., come and check out some of the sharpest rides in this area. You'll find them parked on the end of the park nearest the Senior Citizens Center. No prizes...just bragging rights.
BATTLE OF LEATHERWOOD CAMP
Well, they won't actually be reenacting the Battle of Leatherwood during the Fair but what these dedicated actors will do is give visitors a sense of what it might have been like during the black days of the Civil War. They'll have a small camp set up to provide an example of a soldiers' day-to-day camp life, including how they dressed and their daily tasks.
Have you checked out the trail work in the Perry County Park yet? If not, you should definitely join Pathfinders on their annual Fair hike! It will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening, June 16. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately. It's not too difficult--but it ain't just a "walk in the park," either!
YARD GAMES
We wanted to add something to our Fair to make it reminiscent of years gone by so we decided that we would add some activities that are just good, clean fun for everyone. So we'll have ladder bolo ball, Connect 4, tic-tac-toe toss games and other such stuff that you can play at your leisure. You can check out the equipment to play at the fair's information booth. Oh...and we're going to have cornhole tournaments, both professional and amateur this year, each evening with cash prizes awarded. You'll sign up for the tournament with Danny Miller at 438-3589. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first served basis.
CRAFTS
We are blessed with gifted artists in Perry County! They paint and draw, they sculpt and carve and they make everything from jewelry to clothing. If you can conceive it, they can probably make it. Come out and support them and add a little something new to your home, office or yard.
Cool down, take a load off, enjoy a treat and fill your belly with delicious food...all while supporting very worthy local groups. You can find everything from a good hot dog to a down-home BBQ dinner. When it gets hot, an ice-cold fresh-squeezed lemonade is a must. And for dessert--how about some refreshing ice cream?!!
