ASHLAND — Excitement surrounded the Ashland County Fair on Tuesday night as fans filled the seats for country music star Craig Morgan.
Morgan was the star attraction and was met with a loud reception of cheers as he walked onto the stage, as the main event for the 168th year of the fair.
“It’s pretty cool because it kind of boosts Ashland’s reputation a little bit having a big country star come support us,” Ashland resident Taylor Putman said. “I think it’s pretty cool that he takes the time to support veterans and that he is also a veteran.”
Morgan, who served almost 10 years of active duty in the U.S. Army, made sure to recognize the current members and veterans of the armed forces. Throughout one of his songs, he had each branch of the military stand up individually to receive a long ovation from the crowd.
In the middle of the concert, Morgan took the chance to introduce his band by playing a mash-up of songs from all types of genres of music, including “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” to “7 Years” and even “In Constant Sorrow” by the Soggy Bottom Boys.
“My music and my style is influenced by all kinds of different music,” Morgan said during the show.
While the concert was taking place, the rest of the fair was still bustling with children enjoying the carnival rides and games, families snacking on fair food for their dinner and the usual stroll around the fairgrounds to look at all of the animals.
The fair will continue Wednesday with more junior fair shows throughout the day along with the lawnmower derby, truck pull and stock field ready tractor pull at 6 p.m. at the grandstand. The Top Rail Band will also perform at 7 p.m. at the pavilion.
As the sponsor of Ashland Source's Life and Culture section, Brethren Care Village continues its commitment to enriching lives and promoting a vibrant community.
