News & Publications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 1996
INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC FAN FAIR CELEBRATES 25TH YEAR
Over 24,000 Country Music lovers from around the world celebrated the 25th anniversary of the International Country Music Fan Fair from June 10-15 at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Fans were treated to stage performances by more than 100 entertainers as well as autograph/photo sessions with over 400 additional artists in the Fan Fair exhibit halls.
Pam Tillis’ bass boat booth took top honors in the official Fan Fair Booth Contest. The Arista artist greeted her fans from the boat, posing and signing autographs. Lee Roy Parnell’s fan club booth, incorporating the theme of his latest single, "Givin’ Water To A Drowning Man’ won second prize, and Clay Walker's fan club booth was awarded third place for the second year in a row. His booth was based on his popular HYPNOTIZE THE MOON lp.
Garth Brooks made an unannounced visit to Fan Fair and was besieged by autograph seekers before he could get to his booth. A makeshift autograph line was set up under the covered luncheon pavilions, where Brooks visited with fans for 23 hours - a Fan Fair record. During the hoopla resulting from Brooks’ arrival, Vince Gill nonchalantly strolled into his booth, where he signed autographs for the rest of the day, stopping only when he had to prepare for an appearance on the MCA / Decca Records Show that evening.
Reba McEntire made her first booth appearance in over five years, greeting fans for three hours on Wednesday. The first fan in line camped overnight, waiting 16 hours to get the fiery redhead’s autograph.
Although John Michael Montgomery didn’t make it to Fan Fair, he did manage to unveil his new Internet website from his fan club booth. Fans had access to the site during the entire event.
There were also some light-hearted hi-jinks in the exhibit halls. Members of Ricochet found themselves under attack by Rich McCready and his band, who assaulted the popular new group with silly string. McCready and crew were retaliating for a prank Ricochet played on their during a tour date earlier this year.
Daryle Singletary didn’t let a broken leg deter him from his Fan Fair plans. He positioned himself in the Giant Records booth with his leg propped up behind the counter and signed autographs for all who passed by. One fan, who had learned of his earlier accident, asked him to hold the leg up for a photo.
Down on the Fan Fair grandstand, fans were treated to performances by favorite entertainers and fast-rising newcomers. Those who chose to sit in the shaded area of the grandstand still managed to get a good look at the stage as Jumbotrons were added to the stage set-up this year. Bouts of rain were unsuccessful in dampening the spirits of both fans and entertainers. Alison Krauss joked, "Where’s the ark?" as one short-lived storm moved through the area. She added, "Thanks for staying out in the rain."
Tom T. Hall joined Billy Ray Cyrus for a boogie version of "Harper Valley PTA" during the Mercury Nashville show, to be followed by superstar Shania Twain, clad in black leather pants. "These are very hot," she imparted to the crowd.
Newcomer Trace Adkins graced the Capitol Nashville show for his first Fan Fair appearance. He admitted that success isn’t all it’s rumored to be by saying, "My mom and dad think I’m rich because I have a video on TV. They don’t realize that thing cost me money."
Collin Raye and surprise guest Trisha Yearwood delivered a rousing rendition of Linda Ronstadt’s "Long Long Time" during the Columbia/Epic Records Show, and Brooks & Dunn had the audience on its feet with their hit "My Maria" during the Arista/Career show.
Mindy McCready and Lonestar both received surprises during the RCA/BNA show, as each received a gold album for their debut projects.
Comedians Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall had the crowd in stitches during the Warner/Reprise show.
Spurred by great live performances on the Fan Fair stage and the chance to meet with favorites in the exhibit halls, fans hurried to the Fan Fair Record Shop to pick up albums by their favorite entertainers. Preliminary reports from official operator Tower Records had Ricochet, Paul Brandt, Terri Clark,
Fan Fair, sponsored by CMA and the Grand Ole Opry, is scheduled to take place June 16-21, 1997.
The first Fan Fair was held in 1972. Net proceeds from Fan Fair go into a special fund used by CMA to advance the growth and popularity of Country Music.