Flathead native will not be part of fair show

Cheryl Huggins will not be performing at the Northwest Montana Fair.

The former Kalispell native was slated to perform with The Fleetwoods in Tuesday’s Cruisin’ the Oldies concert. Huggins has been performing with the group since 1981 and was looking forward to returning for the show.

“I’m wondering if this is really a dream,” Huggins told the Inter Lake in a recent interview.

Unfortunately, due to medical issues, Huggins will not be able to travel from her home in Olympia, Wash., to perform at the fair.

“I regret, with disappointment beyond words, that I will not be singing in Kalispell,” she wrote in an email to the Inter Lake Monday.

The Fleetwoods, which include original lead singer Gary Troxel and Bonnie Hannukaine, are still part of the Tuesday concert lineup. Huggins will be replaced by Hannukaine’s sister.

Other performers at the Cruisin’ the Oldies concert include the Shirelles’ original lead singer Shirley Alston Reeves, Brian Hyland and Johnny Tillotson, the voices behind some of the top pop hits in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

The concert starts at 7 p.m. at the Flathead County Fairgrounds grandstand. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Purchase tickets at the fairgrounds office or visit www.nwmtfair.com.