Sawyer Brown, Hairball to headline 2024 Mighty Howard County Fair

 CRESCO - The Mighty Howard County Fair has announced their entertainment line-up for the upcoming 2024 grandstand! Scheduled for June 26-30, the fair will feature multiple bands, entertainment, and fun for all ages.

 •On Wednesday night, June 26 Stock Car Races are planned, starting at 7 p.m. Featured classes will include: USRA B-Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars, USRA Hobby Stocks, USRA Tuners and NEIRS Winged Sprint Cars. The USRA national points will be awarded in all USRA races. Some of the top drivers in northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota will be competing for top prizes and with the Winged Sprint Cars, they’ll be coming from across the nation!

At 8 p.m. entertainment will continue in the Expo Pavillion with  “DJ Dean” keeping the party going with music until close.  

• On Thursday, June 27 Dirt Track racing will continue with the “Blue Ribbon Classic” taking place featuring the Hoker Trucking Super Late Models East Series.  The USRA Modifieds will also be running that night with a $1,000 prize to win, and $120 to start incentive.  National USRA points will be awarded that night inviting all USRA drivers!  Other races may also take place that night, but have yet to be announced. 

The Jay R Brink Band will perform in the Expo Pavillion (beer tent) showing a style of music that will have you mesmerized as he plays. From the Waukon and Waterville area, the band has performed at numerous celebrations in the area over the years. 

•For Friday, June 28, Cresco will “welcome back” Sawyer Brown!  Having played a few years back for the Cresco’s 150th celebration, the country artists will again expect a large crowd.

Called the “Greatest Live Show in Country Music,” Sawyer Brown has completed more than 6,000 live shows and has 50-plus chart topping singles to their credit. The group will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary Tour in 2024, so expect a very exciting show!

Sawyer Brown is best known for songs like “All These Years”, “The Walk”, and “Thank God for You”. 

The group has spent four decades in country music, entertaining fans with their high-energy shows, infectious melodies and heartfelt music.

To open up the night, Eastern Heights will “get the party started” on the main stage at 8 p.m.  The modern country group will offer songs from artists like Brad Paisley, Dan and Shay, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and many others. 

•On Saturday night, highly anticipated “Hairball” will be performing. You better get ready to ‘rock n’ roll’ with some of the best hair bands of the past!  The nationally recognized group will perform music from legendary idols such as KISS, Motley Crue, Queen, Journey Aerosmith and more with the lead singer dressing the part––as the lead singer of each of these groups!  They have three lead singers who will change into costumes throughout the night, performing––to perfection––numerous top hits!  

In 2024, the high energy band will be celebrating their 24th year. Also, while performing, expect plenty of fireworks, fire explosions and more coming from the stage!

Last year, Hairball was cancelled due to rain.

KQ98 will host the pre-concert party, followed by High Mileage. Originally from Viroqua, Wisconsin, High Mileage will play music from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, getting you ‘in tune’ for the main act!

• Sunday has the T&C Rodeo scheduled, starting at 7 p.m. Expect a night of Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, and Muttin’ Bustin. All children, eight-years and under, are encouraged to try some “Muttin’ Bustin and must be under 70-pounds and age 8 and under.  Helmets will be provided and it’s not often your kid will be able to ride a sheep!