And who better to start the fair with than the local country music act that has worked the annual event into its schedule for more than two decades.

“We really look forward to this show each year, and this will be our 23rd year playing the fair,” said local country music sensation Jody Nix, who — along with the Texas Cowboys — will take the stage Wednesday night. “It’s always nice to be able to come home and play for the folks at home.”

Nix and his band will perform twice Wednesday — at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. — but the fun won't end there, as the fair queen competition is set for 6 p.m. Thursday. Gospel music will take center stage in the entertainment tent at 7:30 p.m. and go until everyone gets tired, according to Nix.

“The fair is for everyone,” said Nix. “It has a really country atmosphere, with the livestock and the ag exhibits, and the country music really brings it all together. It really is a good event for the entire community.”

Friday country music sensations Bobby Flores and the Bobby Flores Band will take the stage, bringing their Grammy award winning sound to the county fairgrounds.

Flores — who is set to perform only one show from 8 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. — has played with the likes of Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Johnny Bush and Doug Sahm, showcasing his talents on the guitar, fiddle and voice. He began performing at age 7 and formed his first band at 13, opening for Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, Marty Robbins, Bobby Ware, Lee Ann Rimes and Tracy Lawrence, among others.

“He’s such a humble person to have accomplished so much,” said Nix. “He’s country. I mean real country. Like us, he’s stayed true to his roots.”

Local country music artist Guy Will Zant will close out the fair's line of entertainment Saturday night, performing from 7:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., according to Nix.

“He's got a lot of flair and he's a local, so we're really looking forward to seeing him perform. I couldn't think of a better way to finish out the fair than with a local musician,” said Nix.

The fair is set to open its gates at the Howard County Fair Grounds Wednesday at 4 p.m. and runs through Saturday. For more information on the fair, visit  www.howardcountyfairoftexas.com

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it