02 North Texas Fair and Rodeo offers something for everyone By Bj Lewis
North Texas Fair
08 14 13
Staff Writer
Eighty-five years strong and hear again for another run is the North Texas Fair and Rodeo. The event brings nine days of music, shopping, live stock, rodeo shows and all around fun for the North Texas region. “Our music is always the highlight, nine days and over 30 different bands and artist in those nine days,” said executive director Glen Carlton. “Some of the bigger names this year are the Josh Abbot Band and KC Donahue Band, Jack Ingram and Neil McCoy. This year, the rodeo which runs from Aug. 16 through Aug. 24 at the fairgrounds in Denton will also include a new musical addition, the rock band Madison Rising will take the stage Wednesday night. Other events include the Peterbilt Kid’s Zone, trackless train, rock wall, pony rides and the First United Bank Fun Zone. Another new attraction will educate fairgoers about rainforest animals, bringing a 25 foot exhibit with over 20 species of rain forest animals.
“For a lot of people it is a reunion, you come and see people once a year, you see them at the fair.” — Glen Carlton For the fifth year in a row, Talley Amusements will provide the carnival rides. “The rides are clean and safe, they are one of the better carnivals in the state of Texas,” Carlton said. Rodeo events will take place nightly. The first three nights will feature the PRC Rodeo. Monday night is the ranch rodeo. Tuesday and Wednesday are the 21 and under rodeo and the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday is the bull blowout. Carlton said there is also a protection match, featuring eight teams of bullfighters judged on how well they distract the bull riders during the events. And there is even more things to do with the livestock shows going on daily, mutton busting and lamb, goat and pig shows. The commercial exhibit building and vendor slots are all sold out providing great fairshopping and food, Carlton said.
“There is really something for everyone. If you are a music lover or rodeo fan this is your hometown deal,” he said. You can’t see Josh Abbot every day in Denton. Normally you have to drive to the Metroplex to see the quality of artist we have here.” Carlton said the fair is getting more and more people every year thanks to the expansion of advertising and marketing for the event. Still one of the big attractions for people who attend annual is the event becomes a gathering of family and friends they otherwise do not get a chance to socialize with. “For a lot of people it is a reunion, you come and see people once a year, you see them at the fair,” Carlton said. Parking for the event is $5. Ticket pricing this year, is $15 for adults, $5 for children 7 to 12 and children under six get in free. Admission includes rodeo events and concerts.
The rodeo’s Bull Blowout always provides a lot of excitement.
The midway offers a variety of carnival thrills.
Singer Neal McCoy will headline the final night of the fair.
03
FAIR & RODEO
RODEO BOOT SPECIAL
SALE KIDS’ BOOTS “NEW” CLEARANCE
Justin Gypsy ........................... $79.95 Justin Square Toe for work .... $99.95 Tony Lama 3R ....................... $139.95 Justin Stampede ................... $149.95 Ariat Square Toe for work .... $149.95 Anderson Bean Horsepower Patchwork ..... $199.95 Ferrini Gator Print................. $149.95
Straw Hats
1/2 PrIce
3995 & Up
MEN’S
Short Sleeve Shirts Buy Any Men’s Short Sleeve Shirt at Regular Price
Get One
1/2 OFF Choose from: Cinch and Wrangler Button Ups & Snaps
OFF
LADIES’
SPECIAL RACK
Jeans
Jeans
$
29.95
All Ariat Men’s Jeans
30% OFF LADIES’
Ladies’ Dresses
All Ladies’ Short Sleeve Shirts
24
95
Shorts & Capris Silver & Miss Me
1/2 Price Choose From:
30% to 50% OFF
Cinch, 20X, Wrangler, Rock 47
Ladies’ Jeans by
by
Boys’
• Wrangler • Cruel Girl • Miss Me • Silver
12.95 to 33.95
1/2 OFF
Miss Me Jeans Miss Me Shorts Cinch & Wrangler Jeans $ $
Men’s Cinch & Wrangler
SPECIAL RACK
$
100’s To Choose From
SPECIAL RACK
SPECIAL RACK
Clearance
$39.95
$
MEN’S
20%
$69.95
119
SELECT GROUP By Ariat, Dan Post, John Deer, Justin, Smokey Mountain & More . . .
ALL
Girls’
Circle G Western Fashion By $ 95 Corral Boots
100’s To Choose From
By Resistol, American, Stetson, Bailey
KIDS’
North Texas Fair
Buy One at Regular Price
Get One
1/2 OFF
WESTERN WEAR North Texas’ Largest And Most Complete Western Shop For Family And Horses! & SADDLE SHOP OPEN Mon.-Sat. 9-6:30 940-383-1549 2 Miles North of University Drive on Hwy. 35N at Krum Exit • Easy Access off of 35N Exit #471 at Krum Exit • Denton, Texas
2 Miles North of University Drive on Hwy. 35N at Krum Exit • Easy Access off of 35N Exit #471 at Krum Exit • Denton, Texas
HN
08 14 13
04 North Texas Fair
08 14 13
TOP Import Dealer in Denton County
Your Ticket to Savings! $15,43
0*
Stk# 45412F45
2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS
$18,940* Stk# 27402F45
2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS *2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS Model 45412F45, MSRP $19,630, Less $1,000 Dealer Discount, Less $1,500 HMF Bonus Cash, Less $300 Hail Discount, $500 Valued Owner Discount, $500 Active Military Discount, $400 College Graduate Discount. 2013 Hyundai Sonata GLS Model 27402F45, MSRP $23,150, Less $1,000 Dealer Discount, Less $1,500 HMF Bonus Cash, Less $300 Hail Discount, $500 Valued Owner Discount, $500 Active Military Discount, $400 College Graduate Discount. See Dealer for Complete Details.
Eckert Hyundai Advantage™
AMERICA’S BEST WARRANTY
10-Yr/100,000 5-Yr/60,000 mile Bumper to mile Powertrain Protection
Bumper Coverage
5-Yr/Unlimited Miles 24-Hr Roadside Assistance
HH
Livestock shows are a way of life for young sisters scholarship that can only be won once and applied to any college of your choice, so a lot of kids are fighting for that prize.” The family also enjoys the sense of community surrounding the events. According to Crystal Clark,
1¢
Alyssa and Gracie Clark work with Fuzzy the cow. State Fair and a few reserve champion spots at San Angelo and Houston. Gracie noted that though she is younger and sometimes faces 18 year old participants, everyone is on level, if muddy, playing field at the livestock shows because the cows are all that matter. For Gracie Clark, the successes are more than about the prize buckles; already at the age of nine she is thinking about the significant scholarships that cattle show winners can pick up for college. As her mom, Crystal Clark, explained, “San Antonio, for example, gives out a $15,000
Buy 1 straw hat at regular price, get second straw hat of equal value or less for 1¢ Special Group
PROUD SPONSORS OF THE MUTTON BUSTIN’ Tuesday, Aug 20 and Wed, Aug 21 in Livestock Barn Thurs., Aug. 22 thru Sat., Aug. 24
in Rodeo Arena DURING THE NORTH TEXAS FAIR & RODEO
ord-Chron Rec icl on
Re
• Plumbing Services • Drain Cleaning
940-382-5360 www.betterplumber.com
2013
e
The North Texas Fair and Rodeo is a time honored tradition in Denton County, drawing thousands from all walks of life each year to celebrate the region’s heritage. This year will feature a week’s worth of free live music, including the Josh Abbot Band and Jack Ingram, a beauty pageant, livestock shows, and of course all the rodeo any Shiner drinking, F150 driving cowboy could ever dream up. Yet behind the muddy glory are regular people doing their part to make the fair and rodeo a success every year. Gracie and Alyssa Clark, for example, are two youngsters that have already started to make a name for themselves in the highly contested cattle show contests in which participants raise and show their cattle to judges who score them based on factors like frame, muscle, and balance. Alyssa Clark, a 7-year-old veteran, starting pulling cattle in cow shows at the age of five. Though she claims she doesn’t know how she first got into the rodeo scene, she suspects her mom might have influenced her. Alyssa’ current favorite cow, Fuzzy, is a potential winner because as she put it on the phone, “she’s nice.” The younger Clark offered this advice for younger newcomers considering joining the competition, “They got to have good hair and walk
good.” With a bit of help from her mother, Alyssa explained that she trains with the competition cows a week before the actual showing, making sure they don’t get too fat - one of many factors to consider. Gracie, Alyssa’s sister, also shared her feelings about the big show. “I started when I was five just like my sister,” she said “I’m glad I started. It’s challenging, trying to win.” Clark related her recent victories across the country as far as Kansas, including a win at the Open Show at the Texas
Straw Hat Sale Still In Progress!
w ar d
Staff Writer
De nt
By George Joseph
“You form a ‘livestock family.’ You never see them except at the show, but bonds are formed.” The sights and sounds of the fair and rodeo may seem spectacular. But, for many of these young participants, it’s just a way of life.
A ad er s’ C h oice
345 E. Hickory at Bell • Downtown Denton 940-382-1921 weldonswestern.com 57 years in Downtown Denton Weldon’s Parking & Front Door Located on Corner of East Oak & Bell Avenue
HN
HN
05 North Texas Fair
08 14 13
06 North Texas Fair
08 14 13
HN
Oklahoma group ready to entertain 07 By Matt Crider Staff Writer
Bryon White and Gabriel Marshall are the Damn Quails, a Red Dirt folk duo that was born out of singersongwriter nights at a college bar in Norman, Okla. When the Quails land at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo on Aug. 22, they’ll take the Bud Light Stage after a concert by that night’s headliners, the Turnpike Troubadours, a popular band from Tahlequah, Okla., that will be on the Budweiser Stage. “It’s going to be really Oklahom-ish,� White said during a phone interview. “I love the fact that the Oklahoma bands are doing so well, and Turnpike kind of paved the way.� White started out playing shows in his native Shawnee and was working for an engineering company when he and Marshall began making regular Monday appearances at The Deli in Norman. “It rose out of me and Gabe playing the weekly bar gigs,� White said. “It’s gone from being a twoman song swap to being what it is now — a nine- or 10-man [jam session],� he added. “When we go on the road, we take six.�
The Damn Quails released their first album two years ago, and it was co-produced by Mike McClure, lead singer for the Great Divide and the Mike McClure Band. “We got together with McClure and started working on Down the Hatch,� White said. “When we released the album, we started getting a lot of press.� White said the winter of 2011 and the spring of 2012 were a bit of a whirlwind, fueled by the success of the hit song “Fools Gold.� “It was a really good first single, and after that we were kind of ‘in the club,’� White said. “We’ve been touring nonstop ever since. We don’t get a lot of weekends off.� In performing at Rockin’ Rodeo, the Quails have experience in Denton. “It’s a cool place,� White said of the city. “We’ve always had a really good time.� With a new home in Texas and that standing gig at The Deli, White also has a routine of driving through Denton. “I moved down to San Antonio almost a year ago now, but I’m up in Norman at least once a week,� he said. White said the Damn Quails have been focusing on their live performances, trying
North Texas Fair
08 14 13
The Damn Quails, featuring Oklahomans Bryon White, second from left, and Gabriel Marshall, fourth from left, will play the Bud Light Stage on Aug. 22. to increase their audience. “We’ve been writing a lot of songs, but really the first couple of years we want to get out in front of a lot of people,� he said. He said their approach to
new material is to “play it live and let it grow,� adding that a second album is in the works and could be released early next year. For now, there’s a fair in Denton to be entertained, and
White said he looks forward to that type of crowd. “I dig it. There’s always lots of people. Everybody’s there to have a good time,� White said. “There’s nothing wrong with that.�
!
FF
08 Fair features variety of attractions North Texas Fair
08 14 13
Creative arts enjoys long tradition with fair 09 By Lucinda Breeding Staff Writer
For the last 25 years – maybe more – Annetta Shifflett has been rounding up the part of the North Texas Fair and Rodeo that tickles the tastebuds, moves the imagination and jogs the memory. The creative arts portion of the local fair is likely the one that doesn’t smell of straw or livestock musk. Shifflett and her committee supervise the part of the fair that is rooted in rural women’s work – canning, needlework, clothing and antiques. The creative arts portion also includes canning, needlework, clothing and antiques entered by teens and youth in the Denton County 4-H, Future
Farmers of America and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (formerly the Future Homemakers of America). It also includes something simply called “junior division,” which is for ages 18 and younger who aren’t in the 4-H, Future Farmers of America or Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. Shifflett makes sure that each division is evaluated by a judge who knows what it takes to excel in each. “You can’t have someone who knows nothing about canning judging the canning, just like you can’t have someone who knows nothing about needlework judging that,”
Shifflett said. A lot of the judges have a long history of service to the creative arts exhibition for the local fair, just like Shifflet. The committee gathers up the entries in each category the day before the fair starts – Thursday (Aug. 15, 2013). Entrants are expected to do their homework – the contest comes with a rulebook each entrant has to abide by. (A really delicious batch of strawberry preserves or fig jam could be bounced from the competition if the entrant only brings one jar, or if they bring one canning portion in a Mason jar and the other in a Ball jar.) Shifflett said the creative arts portion of the fair is as his-
torical as the livestock show and rodeo. “A long time ago, the (local fair) board was made up of a group of men, and it was actually the men on that board who decided that there weren’t enough opportunities to have women’s needlework and their canning in the fair,” Shifflett said. “They wanted to do something to get women in the fair.” Historically speaking, women’s industry was important when American families were rooted to farms. Tailoring and dressmaking might have been unsung – same with the more exhaustive kitchen labor Denton county did – but without women clothing their families, canning and curing fruits,
vegetables and meat – the community would have been stunted. Shifflett said there is plenty of white hair behind the scenes in the fair and rodeo, and the current committee has had to make do with pangs of loss. Shifflett supposes that there have been and still are rivalries among the yearly entrants, especially in canning. “I don’t think they were really big or public or anything, but they’re probably there,” she said. One serious competitor, Pat Thompson, used to leave the exhibit hall with five or six ribbons, Shifflett said. See ARTS on 10
Miss Rodeo • North Texas Fair & RODEO Princess • Teen • Queen contestants 2013
Peyton Moore
Riley Ross
Ragen Overton
Amie Hennen
Raney Overton
Madelyn Thompson
Brandy Sorrells
Bullard, Texas
Van Alstyne, Texas
Jacksboro, Texas
Sanger, TX
Jacksboro, Texas
Mineola, Texas
Denton, Texas
Rodeo Pageants Jena Sparks
Elli Ragsdale
Madison Ward
Denton, Texas
Roanoke, Texas
Weatherford, Texas
friday, August 16th saturday, August 17th rodeo coronation sunday, august 18TH at prca rodeo
HN
HN
North Texas Fair
08 14 13
10 North Texas Fair
08 14 13
From Page 9
Arts “People just loved her chow chow,� said Shifflett, recalling the canned, shredded cabbage, chopped sweet red peppers and minced onions marinated in a tangy pickling juice of vinegar spiked with brown sugar and seasoning. “That’s what people raved about, her chow chow. We lost her last year. Her two daughters and her husband are still working with me, though.� The creative arts division will open at 1 p.m. on Thursday, the day before the fair and rodeo open. The public will be able to view the entries until 6 p.m. “Then, right at six, everybody has to leave so we can start the judging,� Shifflett said. “We don’t let anyone watch that; You can’t watch the judges looking over your entry.� Everyone who enters gets a ribbon. A white ribbon and a small cash prize goes to entrants who don’t place. Second place winners get red ribbons and twice the amount of cash the white ribbon winners get. First place winners
get a blue ribbon and three times the cash prize earned by white ribbon winners. “It’s a small amount of money. Some people tell us not to worry about the money. They just want the ribbon. We do charge a small fee to enter the contest, so you can at least get back what you spent to get in. You can look at it that way,� Shifflett said. Fairgoers and entrants have expressed a lot of interest in more food contests outside of canning – expanding to cakes, pies, cobblers and the like – but Shifflett said the creative arts is as big as it can be. “We don’t have enough space to do anything more than what we already do,� Shifflett said. The creative arts contest occupies the entire commercial exhibit building at the fairgrounds. Shifflett wouldn’t predict which categories would be most popular. “Each category depends on something different,� she said. “If we have a bad winter, well then a lot of people stay in and do a lot more handwork. And if we have really bad weather, people might not get enough of a harvest to do the canning they want.�
Winners in the home-canned food competition earn blue and red ribbons.
A youth art project receives a grand champion ribbon.
! " # $% #& '
HN
Rodeo clown Rudy Burns continues to entertain By Todd Brewer For the Denton Record-Chronicle
Funny man Rudy Burns, one of the most sought after entertainers in the rodeo world, is returning to the North Texas Fair and Rodeo for another year. “We tried to figure it last year,” Burns said. “But I know I’ve been working Denton at least twelve years running but probably less than 20. I really don’t remember.” With a schedule that’s kept him on the road most of the year all across the United States, for 40 years running, that’s understandable. Burns began his career in rodeo as a contestant in the bull riding. At an event in southern Mississippi, the bullfighter did not show up and Burns was asked by the producer to entertain the crowd during a lull in the action. “I went out there and we had us a yelling contest, one side of the arena against the other, and later a few bulls chased me around, over the fence and what not. I was really just trying to help out my buddies in the bull riding,” recalled Burns. After that day, entertaining a crowd and fighting bulls for a guaranteed check looked a lot better to Burns than maybe winning some money trying to ride bulls. He began double duties as both bullfighter and funnyman at events, a rarity in today’s rodeo scene, with both jobs clearly defined. “After years of broken bones, bruises, pulled muscles and all the other hazards of being a bullfighter, I crawled in that barrel and never looked back. If I’d have known how much easier it was to just be the funny man, I’d have done it a lot sooner!” Burns said, laughing. When asked about any downsides to his chosen profession, Burns paused for a second. “I guess the travel is the only thing that really gets me, always going somewhere or coming back from somewhere. That and the impact on your family, you miss a few things with the kiddos grow-
ing up, fewer baseball games, being gone on the weekends all the time, but hey, without rodeo, the family probably never would’ve gone to Hawaii. We’ve been twice when I was working a rodeo out there,” Burns said. “But I love it, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, this life. I love making people laugh and seeing them have a good time.” Burns said he has seen rodeo evolve from humble beginnings to the sport it is today, due mostly to sponsors and more prize money available to contestants. “Without the sponsors, you don’t have the opportunities to rodeo exclusively, as a business. You’ve got guys going down the road today, that that’s all they do is rodeo, it’s turned into a major sport, and that’s important for rodeo,” Burns said. “Rodeo people are some of the best in the world and I’m proud to be a part of that family.” The North Texas Fair and Rodeo is unique in that it offers a wide range of rodeo events from Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association performances to the Ranch Rodeo on Monday, the 21 & Under performances on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, culminating with the Bull Bash on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This was one of the reasons Rudy Burns says he likes coming back to Denton year after year. “Whatever you like, it’s at the North Texas State Fair, and every performance is a good show. With world class rodeo stock from producer Sammy Andrews, the first performance is just as good as the last will be.” Rudy Burns is not planning on crawling out of the barrel and watching from the bleachers anytime soon. “Well, I was shooting for 65, then calling it quits, but I feel good, and I’ll be 65 on Sept. 12, so I think I’ll go ahead and shoot for 70. I already told Glen Carlton (executive director), that I’m coming back to Denton, to the North Texas State Fair, whether they hire me or not.”
11 North Texas Fair
08 14 13
Photo courtesy of Todd Brewer
Rudy Burns catches a bull’s attention from his barrel during last year’s rodeo.
www.SandJpharmacy.com
• Compounding • Free Delivery • 3 Locations to serve you! DENTON 1612 Scripture St. • Denton, TX 76201 • 940-484-0100 ARGYLE 306 US Hwy 377 Suite 1 Argyle, TX 76226 940-464-4500
SANGER 801 Chapman Suite 100 Sanger, TX 76266 940-458-4448
HN
12
13
North Texas Fair
North Texas Fair
08 14 13
08 14 13
!"#!$ %#
HN
14 North Texas Fair and Rodeo has colorful history North Texas Fair
08 14 13
By Todd Brewer
For the Denton Record-Chronicle
To anyone growing up in or around Denton, the North Texas Fair and Rodeo has always been a part of their year right around the time school starts back. What few realize is that the North Texas Fair and Rodeo is one of the oldest fairs in the state of Texas with a colorful and storied history. The history of agricultural fairs in the Denton area stretches back over 120 years. The first fair on record in Denton County was The Denton County Blooded Stock and Fair that opened on October 15, 1885. At the time area fairs in Texas were primarily focused on local livestock and agriculture. The North Texas Fair and Rodeo, as it’s known today,
began as the Denton County Fair in 1928, and was officially chartered in 1930. A plot of 13 acres on East Hickory Street was allocated for the new fairgrounds. The fair continued to grow, showcasing livestock and agricultural entries, adding parades, entertainment, music and social events. World War II caused the cancellation of the Fair in 1942 until 1946. 1948 saw a major move for the Denton County Fair when local physician W.C. Kimbrough sold the Fair Association 22 acres of land for $5.00 in northeast Denton, where its been held since 1949. During the late 1950s, several permanent buildings were constructed on the fairgrounds. Another building, the largest on the site, Fair
Hall had been moved from Camp Howze, near Gainesville, in the 1940s where it had previously been used to house German prisoners of war. In 1958, the Denton County Agricultural Fair Association voted to change the name to the North Texas State Fair. The 1960s and 1970s saw continued growth of the fair and associated activities including the rodeo. This growth led to the introduction of professional rodeo in the late 1980’s. Performances by cowboys competing on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit drew even bigger crowds and the pro rodeo is a fan favorite to this day. There’s something for everyone at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo, with activities including photography and art contests, livestock judging,
rodeo queen contest, mutton busting, livestock shows and the always popular midway with carnival rides and food you can only find at a fair. Live music performances are another big draw each year with national recording artists
scheduled each night. Headliners this year include Texas favorites Josh Abbott, Turnpike Troubadours, Casey Donahew and Neal McCoy. For a complete list of events and activities please visit www.ntfair.com.
From the Past...
To the Present.
Proud Sponsor 2013
JAGOE-PUBLIC COMPANY
Styles and times may have changed, but Smitty’s Floor Covering has remained the same.
J. Lee Milligan Company — An Employee Owned Business
Serving Denton with quality and service for 6 decades.
General Contractor & Highway Contractor Excavation & Trucking Concrete Paving Asphalt Sales, Production & Paving Parking Lot Construction & Maintenance Water, Sewer, Drainage, & Structures Full Service Paving Contractor
SMITTY’S FLOOR COVERING & Carpet Cleaning “Family owned since 1958”
Jagoe - Public Co. ...Since 1923...
(940) 382-3232 or (940) 382-6633
940-382-2581
1815 N. Elm • Denton, TX 76201 HN
HN
15
North Texas Fair
08 14 13
!"# $
% &#' (%&) "% & *
+,-. #((% / 0#(%) -1+ ! &
HN
16 Texan Neal McCoy North Texas Fair
set to play at fair
By Matt Crider Staff Writer
08 14 13
Neal McCoy has been touring North America and the world for more than 30 years, and this summer is no different. But after he headlines the final night of the North Texas Fair and Rodeo on Aug. 24, he just might get to sleep in his own bed. “Anytime we play that close to Longview, we always consider it a home gig,” McCoy said. “I still choose to live in northeast Texas.” He was born, raised and educated in Jacksonville, the East Texas town that also produced Lee Ann Womack. After attending Jacksonville High School and Lon Morris College, McCoy decided to go live with his father and pursue a music career. “I was supposed to go on from there and go to Texas A&M,” McCoy said. “I thought, ‘If I go to Longview, there’s a better chance of somebody hearing me.’” McCoy took a job selling women’s shoes, and he got married in 1980. But it wouldn’t be too long until he got a chance to showcase his singing ability. “In 1981, I found out about a contest in Dallas,” McCoy said. “I said, ‘I’m going to go enter that contest,’ just joking around.” McCoy entered the contest, which lasted for about four months. He said country star Janie Fricke was a judge for the finals, and her manager also worked with the great Charley Pride. “[Fricke] said, ‘I would love to introduce you to him,’” McCoy said. “Me and my wife, we met Charley Pride and his wife. I guess they saw something in me. “He said, ‘I’d love to have you come open my show.’ I got the opportunity to do that for six years,” McCoy said. “He kind of let me hone my craft.” Three decades later, McCoy is honoring his mentor with a new album, Pride: A Tribute
to Charley Pride, due out Sept. 24. “It is a real tribute album in the way that it pays homage to the guy that not only got me started but got a lot of people started,” McCoy said. “Charley’s still a really good friend of mine.” McCoy tackles 11 Pride classics on the album, and guest appearances include Raul Malo of the Mavericks and Trace Adkins. “Darius Rucker sings with me, probably Charley’s most popular single, ... ‘Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,’” McCoy said. The stars were eager to join the project. “They understand what Charley Pride means to this industry,” McCoy said. “[He’s] a wonderful ambassador for country music.” McCoy said he hopes the album reminds people from his generation about Pride’s music, and that younger people who hear the tribute will then want to listen to the original versions. “Some of them sing very simple, but sometimes simple is good,” McCoy said. “Some people listen to music just to have something to tap their foot to.” Toe-tappers have been a staple of McCoy’s own music, such as the top-five hits “Wink,” “You Gotta Love That” and “The Shake.” His other signature songs include “No Doubt About It,” “For a Change,” “They’re Playin’ Our Song” and a cover of “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye.” In 2005, McCoy scored his most recent top-10 hit, “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On.” Many of his CDs read like a Who’s Who of Nashville songwriting, with contributions from writers like Rhett Akins, Jamey Johnson, Shane Minor, Tom Shapiro, Skip Ewing and Phil Vassar. “Songwriters are everything to us artists who don’t write that much,” McCoy said. “They’re the ones responsible
for writing these three-minute stories. “We listen to hundreds and hundreds if not thousands of songs to find ones that say
something we want to say or just can’t write ourselves.” In 2012, McCoy released the 12-song album XII, which was his first studio album of new
material in seven years. “In the country business, you don’t ever know when you’re going to get played on radio,” McCoy said. “I got some good
HN
friends of mine to produce XII — Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. “They believe I still have a lot to offer. They just wanted to help me get my name out there.” What McCoy always has offered is a near-legendary live performance — an aspect of his career that he didn’t neglect when he was topping the charts in the mid-1990s. “I was smart enough then to learn to put on a great show,” McCoy said. “We pride ourselves on being able to entertain people. “That’s done by doing our hits and then doing some stuff that appeals to somebody not from the country format.” Fans who have seen McCoy before have every reason to see him again in Denton. “The thing about our show is it changes every night,” McCoy said, explaining that he’s never used a set list. He decides on the fly what song he wants to sing next and turns around to tell the band.
“They can’t get stale on me because they don’t know what the next song is going to be,” McCoy said of his band. “If we’re having fun on stage, people are having fun in the audience. It’s contagious.” That connection with the crowd led to McCoy being named Entertainer of the Year in 1998 and 1999 at the fanvoted TNN/Music City News Awards. He also was honored in 2005 with the Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Country Music. McCoy said he spends much of his summer performing at music festivals and fairs. “We love rodeos,” McCoy said. “There are a lot of real country music fans that are coming out [to the fair].” And at 55, he can still do “The Shake.” “We still think we put on one of the better shows out there, and that’s because we’re willing to work for it,” McCoy said. “We’re going to entertain those people.”
17 North Texas Fair
08 14 13
Neal McCoy with his mentor, Charley Pride.
824 W. University Dr. Denton Center (940) 382-8816 Mon-Sat 9am-9pm • Sunday 10am-6pm
Your Health Food Store
5
$ 00 OFF*
Large Selection of Kombucha’s • Clif Bars Energy Bars • Natural Supplements Protein Powders • Organic Produce Research a health concern or find supplement information at www.vitamins-plus.net * $25 Minimum purchase required.
Drug Emporium
Kroger
University Carroll
Located inside Drug Emporium. Limit one per customer. Original Coupons only. Good for Vitamins Plus merchandise only. Valid only at Denton location. Expires 8/27/2013
HN
18
Exclusive
North Texas Fair
Hearing Event
08 14 13
Call today to schedule your
FREE HEARING EVALUATION
$1000 OFF
limited time only!
A PAIR OF PREMIUM HEARING AIDS
Call our Denton office at
(940) 202-7879
Not redeemable for cash. Limit one per customer. Offer valid through 8/16/13.
Lifetime Hearing • 301 Dallas Drive • Denton
Local Hearing Aid Expert
Chance Pritchard
Chance Pritchard Hearing Instrument Specialist
As a professional in my field, I make it a priority to stay informed of new technology, hearing testing and fitting processes. I invest in specialized equipment, sophisticated training and educational seminars. I do this to ensure that my practice is providing the finest quality service to all patients.
100% invisible* hearing solutions
Starting at $750
FREE 45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL Deposit may be required.
AMP*
MINISCOPIC™ with VS
CIC with VS
We offer several styles and a variety of discreet and stylish colors.
12 MONTHS, 0% INTEREST RINANCING! With approved credit. Limit one per customer.
$99 G IMPAIRE D RIN EA
29 YEARS
SIN
• 29 • YEAR S OR •F
G• RVIN THE H SE
Our new hearing aid technology is designed to: • Improve the clarity of speech • Perform well in noisy settings like restaurants, social gatherings, in the car and outdoors. • Bring sound back to life, even for those with severe hearing loss • Filter out distracting background noise
mini RIC with VS
301 Dallas Drive • Denton (940) 202-7879
CE 1984
2905 Brown Trail, Ste. Q • Bedford (817) 803-2155
hearing aid repair on all makes and models. Not redeemable for cash. Limit one per customer.
www.lifetimehearing.com **The degree of invisibility may vary based on your ear’s anatomy. * Deposit may be required. 04696-13 RO ©2013 NuEar LTR104
HN
C
19 North Texas Fair
ompassionate and caring services
08 14 13
with dignity
Services and arrangements in keeping with your wishes, helping people during their time of need. We’re here on weekends to help with pre-planning and decisions.
Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors 2025 W. University • 383-4200 • www.deberryfuneraldirectors.com
HN
20 Madison Rising to headline USA Pride Day on August 21 Staff Writer
The official theme of this year’s North Texas Fair and Rodeo is “Rockin’ to Tradition.� The tradition includes livestock shows, a comprehensive rodeo schedule and an impressive lineup of Texas country artists. The rockin’ will be done to the tunes of Madison Rising. The East Coast-based rock band will headline the fair’s USA Pride Day on Aug. 21, when active military members
and veterans will receive $5 admission. Lead singer Dave Bray said Madison Rising was formed to fill a void in American music. The patriotic band champions U.S. troops, the Constitution and the Second Amendment. “We sing about our country and the things that we love about it,� Bray said during a phone interview. “This is not just a rock band out there making noise. We’re making noise for a cause.� Bray said patriotism stems from American families, dat-
ing back to when farmers would go to war to protect their nation and their homes. “I’m a Navy and Marine Corps vet, but I’m also a father of two boys and a husband,� Bray said. “I think the family cell is the building block of the
country.� Bray said some artists will score a hit with a patriotic song but have other material that’s about sex or drugs. “Some of the other stuff on the record is garbage,� Bray said of such artists. “It’s not
really family-friendly.� Madison Rising’s first answer to that problem was its eponymous 2011 debut album. Songs include “Right to Bear,� “Soldiers of America� and “In the Days that Reagan Ruled.� “It was really just a way to
Affordable Pest Control Richard & Anita Woessner
Proudly Serving Denton & Surrounding Areas for 26 Years!
Re
2013
le
ord-Chro Re c nic on
ar d
08 14 13
By Matt Crider
De nt
North Texas Fair
w ad er s’ C h o ice A
Call For A FREE Estimate!
940-387-0180 • 940-206-5512 Proudly Voted As One Of Denton’s Best Pest Control Solutions. HN
Supporting Our North Texas Fair and Rodeo!! FREE Upgrade to our MVP experience. Bring In Coupon Code 2007 Exp 10/31/13 Teasley Lane Denton, TX 76210 (940)312-9989 In front of Kroger HN
HN
pay homage and wave the flag as high and as proud as we could,� Bray said. “We try to do what’s right and get out there and fight the good fight.� The band followed its CD last summer with a single and video for “The Star-Spangled Banner.� Bray said the band wanted to record an updated version of the national anthem to prove that American pride is still hip, while showing reverence for the song and its meaning. “We didn’t want to go down that road and not do the song justice,� Bray said. “At first it was shot down, but I kept pushing and pushing and pushing and got it done.� The video has drawn more than 4 million views on YouTube. “It’s one of the best-selling rock versions of ‘The StarSpangled Banner’ next to Jimi Hendrix,� Bray said. “The American spirit kind of courses through your bones when you watch the video.� Bray said the anthem was a turning point for Madison Rising, helping the band land appearances on Huckabee and Fox & Friends. He said Madison Rising has opened for Weezer and Steppenwolf, as well as for Toby Keith at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The band will head to Denton fresh off dates with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Brantley Gilbert — at the Sturgis motorcycle rally — and with Kansas. Their touring schedule meant they had to push back some studio time. “We just finished up all the recording for the next album.
We’re looking at October [for its release],� Bray said. “It’s 100 percent American patriotic rock. “Obviously this one is going to have ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ on it.� Bray’s bandmates are guitarist Shawn Kern, bass player Steve Padelski and drummer Sam Fishman, though Bray said the band would like to start referring to Fishman as his alter ego, Sammy “Bones� Jones. “Behind the drums he just turns into a different guy,� Bray said. “We like that guy better.� Bray said the quartet has always gotten a positive response in Texas. “The cool thing about Texas is, people get it,� he said of the band’s message. Madison Rising has played in Waco and Killeen, where Bray said their show raised $1,000 for families of fallen West firefighters. “We’ve played everything from tiny bars and honkytonks to corporate events,� he said. “I don’t want to say Texas is overrun with country, but you guys could use a break from that for some good old patriotic rock music.� Entering country territory has taught Bray a few things. “I didn’t know there were rodeo dress codes. I didn’t have a long-sleeve shirt,� he said. “We’ll be ready.� Wardrobe aside, Madison Rising is carving out a niche with its songs of American pride. “We got lucky, but we’ve also worked very hard,� Bray said. “We’re blessed to have found it, done it, and done it justice.�
21
Stay tuned for more coverage of the annual North Texas Fair and Rodeo in the Denton Record-Chronicle and online at www.DentonRC.com.
North Texas Fair
08 14 13
United & Holland Mattress Call us at 940-565-1914 WELCOME! Custom Built Mattresses to ďŹ t your bed, budget and schedule. You Dream It We Build It Family Owned and Locally Operated Since 1954
Business Hours: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Monday - Friday 10 a.m - 3 pm Saturday or by appointment* • Custom Sizes and Designs • Conventional Bedding In-Stock • Factory Direct Savings to the Public • Convenient In-House Delivery Schedules
220 W Oak St, Denton,TX 76201 customerservice@unitedhollandmattress.com
Follow us on Facebook HN
HELPING YOU FINANCE YOUR PLACE IN THE COUNTRY AND PAYING BACK $7 MILLION TO OUR CUSTOMERS IN PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS THIS YEAR
940.566.1626 | 888.333.7736 3905 Morse St., Denton, TX LoneStarAgCredit.com
HN
22 North Texas Fair
08 14 13
HN
Variety of musical acts set to play at 2013 fair Come join the fun at the North Texas Fair and Rodeo
The Josh Abbott Band returns to the fair on Aug. 16.
By Matt Crider Staff Writer
Also appearing on the Budweiser Stage: Aug. 16 — Josh Abbott Band. Returning to Denton for the rodeo is the Josh Abbott Band, which cracked the top 10 on the Texas Music Chart this month with “She Will Be Free.” Aug. 17 — Jack Ingram. One of the original stars of the Texas music revolution of the last two decades, Ingram’s classics include “Barbie Doll,” “How Many Days,” “Love You,” “Happy Happy Country Country” and “Mustang Burn.” Aug. 18 — Emilio Navaira. A Tejano superstar who found top-40 country success with “It’s Not the End of the World,” Emilio enjoys first-name recognition. He makes a return appearance at the fair. Aug. 19 — Cody Jinks. A rocker from the Fort Worth area, Jinks brings his honkytonk sound to the Budweiser Stage. He’s getting airplay now with “Glad to Say” and recently released the EP Blacksheep. Aug. 20 — Max Stalling. A true Texas storyteller, Stalling’s smooth style complements clever lyrics. His hits include “I Ain’t Drinking Alone,” “Bass Run” and “I-35.” Aug. 22 — Turnpike Troubadours. Since rocking the fair last year, the Oklahoma band hit big with “Good Lord Lorrie,” “Wrecked” and “Before the Devil Knows We’re Dead.” Aug. 23 — Casey Donahew Band. This Fort Worth-based band led by Burleson native Donahew has been one of the hottest acts on
the Texas scene over the last few years. Fresh off “DoubleWide Dream” and “One Star Flag,” the band scored this summer with “Whiskey Baby.” Bud Light Stage Scheduled to perform on the Bud Light Stage are: Kylie Rae Harris, Six Market Blvd. (Aug. 16); Justin McBride (Aug. 17); roving mariachi band (Aug. 18); Brian Burns, Brian Houser and Sonny Burgess (Aug. 19); Ryan Ready and Austin Cunningham (Aug. 20); Westbound 21 (Aug. 21); Joey Green, the Damn Quails (Aug. 22); Dusty Smirl, Cody Johnson (Aug. 23); and the
Rusty Brothers (Aug. 24). Burns, Hauser and Burgess have a wealth of memorable songs to swap, and Cunningham shoots straight on “15 Songs” and “Guns and Religion.” Joey Green might be best known for “Natchitoches Blues,” and the Rusty Brothers are enjoying success this summer with “Little Sister.” World champion bull rider McBride returns for yet another year sharing a night with one of the fair’s premier headliners. Before Jack Ingram this year, McBride supported Tracy Lawrence, Mark Chesnutt and John Anderson the last three summers.
Are you looking for a new Local Independent Welding Supply Source?
We are your answer! Locally Owned and Operated Since 1999.
We Carry Industrial Gases Supplies • Safety Apparel • Oxygen • Welding & • Acetylene Cutting • Helium Equipment • Argon • Name Brands
ONE DAY DENTURES D REPLACEMENT DENTURES IMMEDIATE & PARTIAL DENTURES EXTRACTIONS DENTAL IMPLANTS CROWN & BRIDGE PLUS MUCH MORE ALL AT A FRACTION OF THE COST!!
We sell to and service individuals as well as business customers and contractors.
Delivery Available NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME! WE ACCEPT AND FILE MOST INSURANCES!
2317 W. University Drive Denton, TX 76201
® CareCredit Patient Payment Plans
FULL REPLACEMENT DENTURES*
EXTRACTIONS*
starting at
/PER TOOTH With Denture Purchase
$
395/SET
Expires 08/31/13
CROWNS*
starting at
49
starting at
$
Expires 08/31/13
$
695/PER UNIT
Expires 08/31/13
940-566-0127 DENTURE IMPLANTS* as low as $
2,600
for 2 implants That’s $1,200 OFF our normal low price!
Expires 08/31/13
Stop by and visit us or call! 1811 Shady Oaks Dr., Suite 100 Denton, TX 76206
940-387-3243
FREE SECOND OPINIONS*
HN
(Must bring original treatment plan)
Expires 08/31/13 HN
23 North Texas Fair
08 14 13
24 North Texas Fair
08 14 13
CLASSIC OF DENTON Proud Sponsor 2013
Here’s to another great year!
CLASSIC CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE MAZDA 4984 I-35 East Denton, Texas 76210 940-498-9800 www.ClassicOfDenton.com
M – F 8am – 8pm Sat 8am – 6pm Sunday Closed HN