N.C. State Fair announces entertainment lineup

By Kathy Hanrahan

Posted: Jul. 2, 2008

Two former reality TV contestants and a chef highlight N.C. State Fair’s 2008 entertainment lineup released Wednesday.

“American Idol” finalist Bucky Covington, of Rockingham, will take the stage on Oct. 21. Covington has been pursuing a country-rock career since being voted off Idol. He will perform songs from his debut album.

R&B star Mario will perform Oct. 23. Mario was featured this year on “Dancing with the Stars.” He also had a hit with the single “Let Me Love You.”

Food Network star Bobby Flay will be cooking up snacks Oct. 20 at the Dorton Arena stage. Flay hosts “Throwdown! With Bobby Flay!” and “Boy Meets Grill with Bobby Flay.” He is also one of the network’s five Iron Chefs.

Also performing at the state fair:
Josh Turner – Oct. 16
Jason Aldean – Oct. 17
Contemporary Christian singer Toby Mac – Oct. 18
Christian rock groups Skillet and Leeland – Oct. 24
Joe Nichols – Oct. 25
Montgomery Gentry – Oct. 26

All performances start at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for all shows can be purchased online beginning Aug. 1.

7/3/2008 5:45:44 PM

Who?
Who?
Who?
Who?
Who?
Who?

7/3/2008 7:20:14 PM

Suck.
Suck.
Suck.
Suck.
Suck.
Suck.

7/3/2008 7:21:19 PM

haha thats a big bucket of suck

7/3/2008 7:34:54 PM

It is rather sad when Bobby Flay is the highlight of the "entertainment".

7/3/2008 7:40:57 PM

6 more reasons why i avoid that place until my parents and grandparents come to town for a day.

7/3/2008 8:12:08 PM

is the guy that owns the fairgrounds really religious or something?

7/3/2008 8:15:15 PM

i just ate at one of flay's joints and the food was fucking terrible

7/3/2008 8:24:11 PM

Toby Mac used to be in the band "DC Talk"

Skillet is ok...

7/3/2008 8:25:12 PM

Compare this to last year:
Kellie Pickler (sold out almost immediately)
Trace Adkins
& Paula Dean

Someone did a poor selection this year.

7/3/2008 9:13:01 PM