Saturday, July 14 Entertainment
Concert time - 8:30 p.m. / Tickets on sale May 1st

TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Sunday, July 15 Entertainment
Concert time - 8:30 p.m. / Tickets on sale May 1st

ERIC CHURCH

Eric Church is on a mission. You might expect someone coming off of their first two Top Ten country singles and an ACM Award for “Top New Solo Vocalist” to lock down the formula and go for more of the same, but with third album, CHIEF, Church is trying something bolder and using the opportunity provided by his success to push his music even further.

“I have a theory that all of us only get a small window of time to make records when people will really listen and care,” he says. “It's up to us to move the needle. People like Waylon and Cash or Garth and Strait - they all took the format and said ‘We're going over here,’ and they all changed the direction of the music a little bit.”

Church’s 2006 debut album, SINNERS LIKE ME, established him as one of the most acclaimed new songwriters in country music. The follow-up, 2009’s CAROLINA, includes the singles “Love Your Love the Most” and “Smoke a Little Smoke,” which—along with the continually escalating popularity of his hard-charging live show—elevated Church to the top ranks of today’s country stars. Although “Smoke” was peaking on the charts, Church decided to take a step back to give some thought to his next creative direction.
“I took about a month off and went to a cabin in North Carolina,” he says. “We’ve always blazed our own trail and I was trying to figure out where it needed to go and, honestly, I wasn't sure. So, I didn't go anywhere for a month. Writers came out and we just wrote songs all day and all night. That really stoked the creative flame. Then, I spent the next six months on tour writing whenever I could.”

The songs that resulted illustrate Church’s impressive range. Some of the titles like “Drink in My Hand” or “Hungover & Hard Up,” instantly show that he’s still comfortable with the expectations of his rowdy live audience. “You’ve got to know what's going to fire them up,” he says, “but, you also need to give them a twist, something they can't just go back and get from the other two records.”

Other songs, like the ambitious “Springsteen” or “Like Jesus Does,” reveal complicated emotions and sophisticated song structures. Perhaps the bravest track on CHIEF is the first single, “Homeboy,” a provocative appeal from one brother to another to get back on track and make peace with his family.

“‘Homeboy’ deals with social issues and with everyday life,” says Church. “It was pretty challenging for me to take that term ‘homeboy’ and use it as slang, as a destination, and then at the end, as a spiritual place. Sonically, it's like three or four different songs.”

“It’s not something people are used to,” he continues, “and there can be a price to pay for that. I’ve had people say ‘that's strange,’ ‘it's odd’—things that some people might run from but, I think it's fantastic.”

When it came time to record the album, Church had a sound in mind that felt different from his first two releases. “This record, more than anything else I've done, is breathing and alive,” he says. “There’s a wildness to it. It’s untamed and not very harnessed.”

This energy started with the singer’s own role in the sessions. Much of CHIEF was cut live in the studio. Church played guitar with the band (and for the first time on record, electric guitar on “Like Jesus Does”) and some of the final versions even use the original tracking vocal.

Church gives credit to producer Jay Joyce, with whom he has made all three of his albums, for helping to bring this excitement out on the tracks. “There’s just a comfort level with Jay,” he says. “We’ve both learned to sit back and let each other try different paths and get farther out there. A lot of stuff we just tried, like the handclap loop on ‘Homeboy,’ just because we weren’t afraid. We never thought there was anything we couldn’t do. I think it’s the most aggressive record I’ve made because of that.”

Though Eric Church’s focus is on looking forward rather than looking back, he does acknowledge that the surprising success of “Smoke a Little Smoke” allowed him to explore and experiment with his new songs. Church explains, “This was the first time I picked a single because of the reaction on the road and it paid off.”

The desire to capture the intensity of his live show on record is indicated right in the title of the new album. "‘Chief’ was my grandfather’s nickname, and it has become my nickname on the road," Church reveals. "When it's show time, I put on the sunglasses and the hat, and that's how people know it's game time. This album was made from a live place; we recorded it with the live show in mind, so it just seemed right to make that the title."

If there is one thing country music needs more of, it’s the attitude that is driving Eric Church, the approach behind every song on CHIEF, the fearlessness that lets an artist swing for the fences and try to leave a mark on history. “There were safer choices I could have made for sure, but I just can't feel that helps anybody,” he says. “If you have any respect for the music, you'll use each chance you get to try to be one of the ones who moves the flag.”

For one low price of $35, you may purchase a GENERAL SEATING FUNPASS, entitling you to attend the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Mid-States Rodeo, Saturday evening performance of ???, Sunday Noon Barbecue, and Sunday evening performance of Eric Church. With this FUNPASS, children age 5 and under are FREE.

For one low price of $45, you may purchase a RESERVED SEATING FUNPASS, entitling you to attend the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Rodeo, Saturday evening performance of ???, Sunday Noon Barbecue, and Sunday evening performance of Eric Church. RESERVED SEATING FUNPASS will allow you to have reserved seating for ALL rodeo and concert performances.
All persons seated in the RESERVED GRANDSTAND MUST purchase a ticket.

Daily Rodeo Admission Tickets will go on sale at 6:00 pm based upon availability. Prices of general admission tickets are as follows:
Rodeo $10 each night (reserved seating, $15 based on availability).

Concert-Only tickets are available at the Fair Office, (402) 454-2144. General Admission tickets are $30 in advance
or $35 the day of the concert.

Early picture of Madison County Fair - Date Unknown.

Early picture of Madison County Fair - Date Unknown.

The Madison County Fair was started in 1873 at the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of third and Main. On March 2, 1874 those interested in the Madison County Agricultural Society met to make plans for the second Madison County Fair and to better organize. Section 8 of the regulations governing the society was amended to require parties competing to pay $1.00 and thus become members in the society and secure funds to conduct the fair. They secured twenty-three members. A committee was then formed to prepare a track for the exhibition of trotting and running stock. It was then decided to hold the fair at Madison, Nebraska. The Fair was conducted mostly by volunteers.

The Madison County Ag Society membership elected to carry out the fair was called "The Fair Board" for many years. It is now called the Board of Directors and all registered voters are considered a member of the Madison County Ag Society. Any of the registered voters may run for a seat on the Board of Directors and vote. There are five voted on each year to serve a term of three years, they may re-run if they so wish. The Board of Directors of the Madison County Ag Society now number fifteen members. They donate their time, energy and talents to produce one of the best fairs and rodeos in the State of Nebraska.
The fair was held in the downtown area until 1882. After tornadoes and a big fire hampered the events in the downtown area, they moved to the Pete Barnes farm, (now the Gary White farm) and held the events in a meadow. The 4-H groups and schools were beginning to become active participants and volunteers in participating and helping with the fair.

In 1885 a group of Madison citizens known as the Madison Driving Park Association, incorporated for the purpose of purchasing 25 acres in the northwest part of Madison (part of the present day fairgrounds) for use as the County Fairgrounds and leased it to the Madison County Ag Society (MCAS). It also built a trotting horse race track, which until the late 1930's was a part of the fair attraction. Madison Downs then began with horse racing. The racing program was separated from the fair until attendance fell off. Horse racing came to an end in 1971. The MCAS then became the main supporter of events. They incorporated and started meeting once each month and still do to this day.

The Fairgrounds were used for other events throughout the year, the school rented it for an athletic field; buildings were rented to organizations and family groups for meetings, reunions etc. In the 1930's, the Army leased some of the grounds to build a CCC Camp, which, in 1943 were returned to the MCAS by the Army. They were then utilized for use as 4-H horse barns for the fair and rented out for stables in the winters. (These were later torn down and a multipurpose livestock barn with inside arena was built. (One of the original barns is still used).

In the last years of the races the Madison Downs group authorized the Madison Jaycees to use the fairgrounds for a Rodeo. In 1998 upon expiration of the original contract with the Jaycees, MCAS took over the rodeo. To this day the rodeo is a main attraction for the Madison County Fair. National entertainment artists have been featured at the fair as well. The 4-H Clubs all have exhibits and livestock shows they participate in during the fair. The schools also display student artwork during the fair. A large fireworks finale was began in 1996 and has become a tradition. The carnival during the fair was first introduced in early 1900 and is still a main attraction. During the day there are all kinds of action: contests and shows, turtle races, ice cream eating contest, etc. to draw everyone's interest. The Fair and Rodeo is usually held in the month of July.

The Madison County Fairgrounds have grown from 25 acres and a few old houses to 75 acres and many modern updated buildings - 3 arenas (two outside and one large inside one), beef, horse, sheep, swine, and small animal housing with electricity, lights, plugs for grooming animals, and wash racks. It has plenty of parking with shuttle service to and from the parking areas to the main entrance. A camping area is available for those that was to stay all week during the fair and for camper tours etc. Restrooms are modern; two have showers with hot water. In 1995 a large fair office and boardroom were constructed. Additional facilities include: an Open Air building, concession stand, nearly new grandstands, and the Octagon Building (older historic building that was called the center building. It was built sometime in the mid 1800's). The grounds, buildings, and arenas are rented out and used year-round.

The 133rd Annual Madison County Fair will again be the host to well over 50,000 fairgoers this year. Attendance at the Fair has grown from a crowd of 50 to 60 people in 1873 to over 50,000 during the week in 2000.

Favorite Foods - age 13-18

Senior Beef Showmanship

Senior Beef Showmanship

Intermediate Beef Showmanship

Intermediate Beef Showmanship

Junior Beef Showmanship

Junior Beef Showmanship

Market Heifers

Market Steers

Market Steers

Angus Breeding Beef - Heifers calved 1/1/10-4/30/10

Angus Breeding Beef - Heifers calved 1/1/10-4/30/10

Chianina Breeding Beef - Heifers calved 5/1/10-8/31/10

Commercial Breeding Beef - Heifers calved 5/1/10-4/30/10

Commercial Breeding Beef - Heifers calved 5/1/10-8/31/10

Shorthorn Breeding Beef - Heifers calved 1/1/10-4/30/10

Shorthorn Breeding Beef - Heifers calved 5/1/10-8/31/10

Senior Sheep Showmanship

Senior Sheep Showmanship

Intermediate Sheep Showmanship

Intermediate Sheep Showmanship

Junior Sheep Showmanship

Junior Sheep Showmanship

Commercial breeding ewe lambs

Commercial breeding ewe lambs

Commercial breeding yearlings

Senior Swine Showmanship

Senior Swine Showmanship

Intermediate Swine Showmanship

Intermediate Swine Showmanship

Junior Swine Showmanship

Junior Swine Showmanship

Market Barrow

Market Barrow

Market Gilt

Market Gilt

Pair of Market Hogs

Pair of Market Hogs

Junior Dairy Showmanship

Holstein Junior Calves

Holstein Intermediate Calves

Holstein Fall Yearlings

Holstein Three Year Olds

Holstein Five+ Year Olds

Jersey Spring Yearlings

Market Goats

Market Goats

Junior Meat Goat Showmanship

Junior Meat Goat Showmanship

Junior Poultry Showmanship

Poultry Junior Division

Senior Rabbit Showmanship

Senior Rabbit Showmanship

Intermediate Rabbit Showmanship

Intermediate Rabbit Showmanship

Junior Rabbit Showmanship

Junior Rabbit Showmanship

Senior Cat Showmanship

Junior Cat Showmanship

Senior Cat Showmanship

Junior Cat Showmanship

Short haired Cat

Short haired Cat

Dog Junior Showmanship

Dog Junior Showmanship

Dog Intermediate Showmanship (11-13 years)

Dog Intermediate Showmanship (11-13 years)

Dog Senior Showmanship (ages 14-18)

Dog Senior Showmanship (ages 14-18)

Dog Obedience Beginning Novice Division A

Dog Obedience Beginning Novice Division A

Feeder Steers

Feeder Steers

Feeder Heifers

Feeder Heifers

Feeder Bulls

Feeder Bulls

Cow and Calf

Cow and Calf

Bucket Calf (8 & 9 years old)

Bucket Calf (8 & 9 years old)

Bucket Calf (10&11 years old)

Bucket Calf (10&11 years old

Returning Bucket Calf - market steer or heifer

Returning Bucket Calf - breeding heifer

Returning Bucket Calf - breeding heifer

Poultry Pullets, pen of three

Pigeon Old Male

Pigeon Old Male

Other Poultry Old Drake

Other Poultry Old Goose

Other Poultry Bantam Exotic, female-hatched during current year

Other Poultry Bantam Exotic, female-hatched during current year

Other Poultry Standard Poultry, male-hatched during current year

Other Poultry Standard Poultry, male-hatched prior to current year

Other Poultry Guinea

Other Poultry Guinea

Market Lamb

Market Lamb

Pair of Market Lambs

Pair of Market Lambs

Feeder Lamb

Feeder Lamb

Pair of Feeder Lambs

Pair of Feeder Lambs

Dairy Goat - Does under one year, not in milk

Dairy Goat - Does under one year, not in milk

Horse - English Pleasure

Horse - English Pleasure

Horse - English Equitation

Horse - English Equitation

Horse - Pleasure Class Junior Division

Horse - Pleasure Class Intermediate

Horse - Pleasure Class Intermediate

Horse - Pleasure Class Senior Division

Horse Pleasure Class Senior Divison

Horse - Horsemanship Junior Division

Horse - Horsemanship Junior Division

Horse - Horsemanship Intermediate Division

Horse - Horsemanship Intermediate Division

Horse - Horsemanship Senior Division

Horse - Horsemanship Senior Division

Horse - Western Riding Intermediate Division

Horse - Western Riding Senior Division

Horse - Western Riding Senior Division

Horse - Reining Class Junior Division

Horse - Reining Class Intermediate Division

Horse - Reining Class Intermediate Division

Horse - Reining Class Senior Division

Horse - Reining Class Senior Division

Horse - Trail Class Junior Division

Horse - Trail Class Junior Division

Horse - Trail Class Intermediate Division

Horse - Trail Class Intermediate Division

Horse - Trail Class Senior Division

Horse - Trail Class Senior Division

Horse - Pole Bending Junior Division

Horse - Pole Bending Junior Division

Horse - Pole Bending Intermediate Division

Horse - Pole Bending Intermediate Division

Horse - Pole Bending Senior Division

Horse - Pole Bending Senior Division

Horse - Barrel Racing Junior Division

Horse - Barrel Racing Junior Division

Horse - Barrel Racing Intermediate Division

Horse - Barrel Racing Intermediate Division

Horse - Barrel Racing Senior Division

Horse - Barrel Racing Senior Division

Horse - Break Away Roping Junior Division

Horse - Break Away Roping Junior Division

Horse - Daily Steer Roping Heading

Horse - Daily Steer Roping Heading

Horse - Daily Steer Roping Healing

Horse - Daily Steer Roping Healing

Horse - Roping Stationery Head on Foot - All Ages

Horse - Roping Stationery Head on Foot - All Ages

Horse - Halter Class Yearlings

Horse - Halter Class Yearlings

Horse - Halter Class 2 Year Olds

Horse - Halter Class 2 Year Olds

Horse - Halter Class 3 Year Olds and Older Geldings

Horse - Halter Class 3 Year Olds and Older Geldings

Horse - Halter Class 3 Year Olds and Older Mares

Horse - Halter Class 3 Year Olds and Older Mares

Horse - Working Ranch Horse Junior Division

Horse - Working Ranch Horse Junior Division

Horse - Working Ranch Senior Division

Horse - Working Ranch Senior Division

Horse Senior Horse Showmanship

Horse Senior Horse Showmanship

Horse Intermediate Horse Showmanship

Horse Intermediate Horse Showmanship

Horse Junior Horse Showmanship

Horse Junior Horse Showmanship

Horse - Walk Trot Pleasure

Horse - Walk Trot Pleasure

Horse - Walk Trot Horsemanship Beginning Juniors

Horse - Walk Trot Horsemanship Beginning Juniors

Goat Tying Junior Division (13 years and under)

Goat Tying Junior Division (13 years and under)

Goat Tying Senior Division (14 years and older)

Horse - 2-3 Yearold Old Snaffle bit

Breeding Rabbit Junior Doe

Breeding Rabbit Intermediate Doe

Breeding Rabbit Intermediate Doe

Breeding Rabbit Senior Doe

Breeding Rabbit Senior Doe

Breeding Rabbit Senior Buck

Breeding Rabbit Senior Buck

Dog - Agility - Level 1

Dog Agility - Level 1

Large 4 Legged Exotic Animal

Large 4 Legged Exotic Animal

Exotic Animal Showmanship

Exotic Animal Showmanship