Entertainment
Enjoy 6 days of local and national talent on the stages throughout the fairgrounds.
2024 Entertainment – Columbia County Fair
Bachelor Chris: The Dashing Escape Artist
Thursday, Aug.29 - Monday, Sept 2, 1PM, 3PM, 6PM
Location: NORTH GATE ENTERTAINMENT BARN
Bachelor Chris, known for his appearances on “The Bachelorette” and “Bachelor in Paradise,” has charmed audiences with his quick wit and escape artistry. As a skilled performer, he blends humor and suspense, delivering family-friendly entertainment that leaves everyone amazed and wondering, “How did he do that?” Join Bachelor Chris for an unforgettable show filled with laughter and magical moments.
Sammy Kershaw
Sunday, Sept. 1 • 4PM
Location: GRANDSTAND
Iconic entertainer, Sammy Kershaw, has amassed three platinum and six gold albums that have scanned and streamed in excess of 5 million records and nearly 100 million combined songs sold. Often referred to as the “heir apparent” to legendary ‘voice’ George Jones, the GRAMMY nominated performer helped shape and make the ‘90s a shining decade for country music. His multi-platinum albums were propelled into the record books by hits such as “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” “Queen of My Doublewide Trailer”, “I Can’t Reach Her Anymore,” “National Working Woman’s Holiday,” “Love Of My Life,” “Cadillac Style,” “Don’t Go Near The Water,” “Haunted Heart”, “Vidalia” and many other milestones.
Kershaw’s chain of major hit records continues to sell-out shows and he can be found touring on the road – both on his own as well as part of his successful Roots & Boots Tour with Collin Raye and Aaron Tippin. The three continue to bring their signature sounds to the fans year-after-year all over North America.
In addition to performing to sell-out audiences, Sammy Kershaw continues to record and release new music with three albums currently in the works, along with putting the finishing touches on his long- awaited autobiography – which promises to be as juicy as a bowl of the gumbo he loves to prepare in his Louisiana home!
The past has been a great, long-winding road of highs and lows for the legendary Sammy Kershaw, but to quote one of his past singles, the goal isn’t to rest on those accomplishments, but to be “Better Than I Used to Be.”
Sponsored by Hudson River Bank Trust Foundation
Magic Ben
Thursday, Aug.29 - Monday, Sept 2, 2PM, 4PM, 8PM
Location: NORTH GATE ENTERTAINMENT BARN
Magic Ben will WOW you by the mind-reading, mentlizem, magic, and illusions that are intermingled with comedy.
Master of the Chainsaw
Thursday, Aug.29 - Monday, Sept 2, 1PM, 3PM, 5PM
Location: ON THE GROUNDS
Masters of the Chainsaw is a limited group of the nation’s top professional chainsaw sculptors, dedicated to promoting and preserving the integrity of the art form and its performance. During a forty five-minute show, from behind protective netting, onlookers will observe an original and captivating high-energy performance. With chain saw roaring and chips flying, carver Brian Ruth’s precision and skill quickly transforms a three-foot tall log into a true work of art. Nearly every show will result with a chainsaw carving being-produced from start to finish, with as many as four chainsaw carvings per day and shows lasting up to an hour.
Corrie J Mentalist Comedy Show
Thursday, Aug. 29 - Monday, Sept. 2 (see daily schedules for times)
Location: NORTH GATE ENTERTAINMENT BARN
Hypnotist Corrie J knows that great entertainment isn’t just about him, it’s about you, the audience. That’s how you know you’re going to have a great night – because you and your friends are at the front and centre of all the fun. Hailing from beautiful Saskatoon, Hypnotist Corrie J has been entertaining crowds for decades, and uses his long experience to keep his audience engaged. So get ready to be on the edge of your seat! A dedicated family man, Hypnotist Corrie J makes sure that each and every show passes the test with his wife and young daughter first, so you can be sure that you’re in for some great, all ages entertainment that will leave you feeling like a kid again. We welcome Hypnotist Corrie J to the stage to get the show started. Prepare to be amazed as you and your friends are drawn into the magical world of hypnosis.
Sponsored by Columbia Memorial Hospital
Acoustic Rye
Friday, Aug. 30, 6-10PM
Location: UPPER ENTERTAINMENT GARDEN
Check out a down home band that plays a variety of music from the late 1980’s til now, including blues, bluegrass, country and of course, “Good Old Rock and Roll.”
ALLEN & AZZAAM
Saturday, August 31, 1-5PM
Location: UPPER ENTERTAINMENT GARDEN
The music of ALLEN & AZZAAM is the product of a 3 year collaborative effort between saxophonist Allen Halstead and pianist Azzaam Hameed. The ultimate result of their partnership is one where the whole is truly much greater than the sum of its parts. Each musician has over 40 years of providing professional music entertainment, in all genres, for their listeners. Their individual portfolios include playing with legendary performers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Joel and Lou Rawls as well as many local jazz artists. Together, ALLEN & AZZAAM specialize in presenting the jazz standards, today’s contemporary jazz and R&B interpretations.
Beer Stained Fiddle
Sunday, Sept. 1, 1-5PM
Location: UPPER ENTERTAINMENT GARDEN
Beer Stained Fiddle is a string band playing Bluegrass, Americana, Appalacian folk, and Jam band genres. All band members sing and are from Columbia County. Mike Pagnani on fiddle, Brian Tipple on banjo, Andy Andrewski on cajon, Scott Malony on upright bass, Steve Hills on guitar, Eugine Krien on mandolin and Tom Meyers on dobro.
JARROD
Saturday, August 31, 6-10PM
Location: UPPER ENTERTAINMENT GARDEN
The well known local band JARROD returns to the upper beer garden on Saturday August 31st from 6-10pm. The group consists of Dick Leavitt, Joe Clapper, Jack Bogarski, Aaron Perry, and our newest member Marty McDermot. Playing your favorite classic rock & roll tunes that we all know and love to dance to.
Joe Adee Band
Sunday, Sept. 1, 6-10PM
Location: UPPER ENTERTAINMENT GARDEN
When two amazing musicians got together with a husband and wife team, magic happened and “Joe Adee & The Lug Nuts “ was created. Our genres include Johnny Cash, Bill Withers, Ray Charles, Buddy Guy, ZZTop, Doors, Allmand Brothers, Jimmy Hendrix, Van Morrison just to name few. Blues, folk, gspel, old country, southern rock, and R&B. Good music for the whole family.
Such a great Fair every year. This year 2021 was my First year back since I was in elementary school which was decades back. You all worked so hard and did a wonderful job I’ll continue coming back every year.
– Jonathan B.
Love It! Nice country Fair.
– Theresa C.
Definitely the best county fair I have ever been to! The tree-lined grounds are lovely. A nice mix of attractions and exhibits with phenomenal entertainment; well worth the price of admission.
– Linda A.