Merel Haggrad’s July 16 appearance at the Crawford County Fair is creating quite a stir.
Organic and homegrown are trends that are re-gaining popularity—especially in the summer. Cuba, Missouri’s own homegrown product Patti Donahoe is returning for the Crawford County Fair (July 13-17), and she’s bringing Country Music Hall of Famer Merle Haggard with her, which is creating excitement on two fronts.
CEO and owner of Applause! Entertainment in Nashville, Tennessee, Donahoe has made a name for herself in the entertainment world. Booking talent for fairs, colleges, and other special events is part of the job, and some of the perks involve working with legends like Haggard. During Haggard’s performance, Donahoe says she will be back stage “directing traffic.”
Patty Donahoe spends a lot of time backstage producing the shows that she books.
Haggard’s appearance at this year’s fair (Friday, July 16) has created quite a stir. Calls to the Fair Board have been coming in all over from zealous fans. Rodger Bridgeman, president of the Fair Board, recently spoke at the Cuba Chamber of Commerce meeting. “Calls have been coming in from people wanting box seats and backstage passes.” He laughed and said, “We thought about getting the cardboard and making the box seats.”
Even Donahoe in Nashville has recognized the excitement. In a recent email, Donahoe said, “I have been getting emails from all over asking about tix for Merle….”
Donahoe’s family and friends are also excited about her return to Cuba. “My dad is already counting the days even though I was just there a couple of weeks ago.”
Haggard’s recently released a new CD I Am What I Am, contains several of his own songs that are reflective in nature. The CD debuted high on the charts with a positve reaction. A new generation is discovering the singer/songwriter’s music.
Haggard’s newest CD debuted well on the charts.
At 73, Haggard is enjoying life as he tours the country. His son and wife are on stage with him, and according to a recent Country Music Times Insider Interview, “…that’s a blessing from God.”
Well, we think it’s going to be a blessing for all of when our hometowner Patti Donahoe allows us to share the talents of Merle Haggard and his family. If you don’t have your tickets yet, you can order them online or buy them at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center at the I-44 Overpass. Advance sale of tickets ends on July 12.
Merle Haggard Show-Rickman Auditorium He’s the man…
Box seats or not, volunteers and the city are working hard to get Hood Park, which runs along old Rt. 66, ready for the fair and Haggard’s appearance. Viva Cuba is working on mural maintenance to have the murals looking sharp for our town’s visitors. New visitors and hometowners who are returning for the fair can pick up a mural brochure in area businesses or at the Visitor Center at the I-44 overpass. Information about other area attractions is also available.
See you at the fair.
To see photos of our murals and to read more information about the Viva Cuba Mural Project, visit the website.
For information about the Crawford County Fair, visit their website.
For information about Cuba visit the Chamber of Commerce website.
For more about the history of the Crawford County Fair read “Crawford County Fair: horse racing, arson, and over 100 years of tradition.”
I am what I am…
thank u all u always have a great fair wish somebody would tell Rolla how too i will be there to enjoy your fair and friendly people
I attended the Merle Haggard concert with my brother and my son we had a really good time the best I have been to thank you for booking Merle Haggard