WEST LIBERTY, Iowa–Though summer may feel ages away, the Muscatine County Fair Board has already started planning to make 2023’s Muscatine County Fair the best one yet. Nov. 29, they announced that famed country singer Josh Turner will perform.
On Aug. 1, not long after this year’s Muscatine County Fair ended, the fair’s entertainment committee started working with their agent to find a musical act to headline their annual concert the Saturday night of the fair. As they narrowed down the list, Turner seemed like a stand out choice. “This name just kept rising to the top,” recalls Muscatine County Fair Manager Kelsey Meyer. “He is well-known in the country music world.”
For the past 20 years, Turner’s deep baritone voice has thrilled audiences across the country. A multi-platinum artist, Turner has sold 8.5 billion units and has had his music streamed more than 2.5 billion times worldwide. Turner uses his music to pay tribute to some of his favorite classic country stars, including Randy Travis, John Anderson, Johnny Cash, Vern Gosdin, and Hank Williams, while still making it uniquely his. Turner also belongs to the Grand Ole Opry.
The night of Turner’s concert, Iowa favorite Dirt Road Rockers will perform. Meyer believes they will draw a crowd as well. “They’re a pretty well-known local band, so we’re excited to have them this year,” she said.
Along with announcing this year’s top musical acts, the Muscatine County Fair has also lined up their other grandstand events. July 19 will begin the fair’s evening entertainment with racing. July 20, the Muscatine County Fair will debut a new event, donkey racing. In a series of five races with 10 donkeys, local celebrities will each ride a donkey to see who can coax their stubborn steed over the finish line first. July 21 will continue the week’s attractions with a tractor pull ahead of the July 22 concert. July 23 will wrap up the fair fun with a crowd pleasing demolition derby and trailer races.
With so many fun events going on and such big names in music making appearances at the Muscatine County Fair, Meyer encourages people to purchase their concert tickets, trackside seating upgrades, single day admission, or fun passes in advance to give them the best opportunity to get in on the fun. “I would encourage people to buy them early because they make great Christmas presents, and the fun passes are the best deal of the week because it gets you into the fair and the grandstand,” she explained.
Tickets of all types went on sale Dec. 2 and will remain available while supplies last. People may purchase tickets through the Muscatine County Fair’s website or by visiting the fair office at 101 North Clay Street in West Liberty between 8 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday.
