Country star Josh Turner headlines fair concert

Multi-platinum MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner will perform at the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo in Kalispell on Aug. 15.

The fair and rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 15-19 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds with a theme of “Discover!” Tickets for the concert and all other Grandstand events will be available for purchase online and at the fairgrounds office beginning at 9 a.m. on Thursday.

Country music lovers know Turner for hit songs such as “Your Man,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Firecracker” and “Time Is Love.” Rolling Stone has applauded him for his “river deep baritone” and his “country purist” style. Turner has sold more than 8 million units and has been nominated for multiple Grammy and American Country Music awards over the past decade. He is one of the youngest members of the esteemed Grand Ole Opry.

Advance-purchase general admission adult tickets for the Turner concert are $32, reserved seating tickets are $40, and party pit tickets are $45. General admission tickets for children ages 6 to 12 are $20, and children ages 5 and under are admitted free of charge. All tickets purchased prior to arriving at the fair include admission to the grounds.

The Ram PRCA Rodeo runs Aug. 16-18 and will feature world-class male and female competitors from Canada and the U.S. aiming for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. Events include bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Advance-purchase adult tickets range from $20 to $24, with seniors admitted for $10 on August 17. General admission tickets for children ages six to 12 are $10, and children ages five and are admitted for free in general admission seating.

The fair comes to a close with the NAPA Auto Parts Demolition Derby on Aug. 19 with drivers competing for cash prizes. Adult tickets are $20, children ages six to 12 are admitted for $10, and children ages five and under are admitted for free.

In addition to the Grandstand events, the fair will feature more than 8,000 exhibits and displays, including everything from agriculture and home economics to manufacturing and vehicle safety.

“We chose ‘Discover!’ as this year’s theme to encourage our guests to explore the 23 different departments at the fair and engage with the exhibitors,” fairgrounds manager Mark Campbell said. “Guests will find hands-on activities throughout the fairgrounds to showcase the creative and innovative ideas that people are working on in our community.”

To purchase Grandstand event tickets or for more information about the 2018 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo, visit www.nwmtfair.com or call the fairgrounds office at 758-5810.