County to pay for fair concert

Marion County Commission agreed Monday to fund an announcer’s stage and concert at Marion County Fair in 2013.

The county would provide half of the funding for both the stage and the concert, using funds from sales tax and transient guest bed tax.

Fair manager Kelli Savage has reached an agreement with Susie McEntire to play a concert the Sunday before the fair begins, July 21. McEntire is a gospel and Christian music artist. She is the sister of country musician Reba McEntire.

Savage said the goal of the concert is to diversify fair activities. Savage was an organizer for the Florence Labor Day Celebration that also featured musical acts.

The proceeds from the concert will go toward fair building repairs and 4-H premiums, Savage said.