Houser headlines a ‘Red Carpet A-Fair’

Marshall-Putnam Fair

July 13-20

915 University Ave.

Henry, Illinois

HENRY, Ill. — It will be a “Red Carpet A-Fair” at the 104th Marshall-Putnam Fair, celebrating a tradition of excellence.

Headlining the entertainment will be country music singer and songwriter Randy Houser, who has racked up over a half dozen hits and over 1 billion streams.

He will perform Thursday, July 17. Also on the slate are musicians Timothy Wayne and Brody Vancil.

Houser’s “How Country Feels” album topped the country radio charts. He added acting to his résumé in 2023 when he landed on-screen roles in Martin Scorsese’s “Killer of the Flower Moon” starring Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as in Dennis Quaid’s “The Hill.”

Wayne is a rising star in the country music scene. He’s also the nephew of country legend Tim McGraw. He signed with UMG Nashville while still attending Louisiana State University, and his label track debut, “God Made a Country Boy,” was written about his countryside upbringing and the lessons he learned.

Vancil is from just down the road in Metamora, Illinois, and is a rising star in the music scene. His unique blend of country, folk and pop has captivated audiences.

A demolition derby is slated for 7 p.m. Friday, July 18, with classes of 1980s and newer, open light weld full size, pro stock compacts, young guns and minivans.

A Pro Pulling League America’s Pull begins at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19. PPL classes will be pro stock tractors, super stock diesel trucks, unlimited super stock tractors, mini rod tractors and super modified tractors.

The ever-popular M-P Fair Cookoff Contest is Sunday, July 20. Cooking themes are “An Apple A-Fair,” “The Great Pumpkin,” “Viva Italia” and “Jr. Chef Roundup.”

Other fair events include an antique tractor show, car show, harness racing, Illinois State Fair karaoke contest, kiddie tractor pull, Power Wheels derby, livestock shows and numerous other events for all ages.