Lake County Fair hosts country pop star Russell Dickerson for its first concert in a quarter of a century

On Thursday, July 31, the Lake County Fair kicked off its 10-day roster of events with a Pre-Fair Kickoff Party at the Lake County Fairgrounds’ Grandstand Arena. The event featured a performance by renowned country pop musician Russell Dickerson and opening acts by fellow country pop musicians Niko Moon and Shaylen. This was the first of many grandstand events to be featured at Lake County Fair 2025, which include monster truck shows, bronco riding, micro wrestling, and even a demolition derby!

E.J. Hein, grandstand superintendent for the 2025 Lake County Fair, oversaw the planning and execution of this year’s grandstand events. In his view, the Kickoff Party represents the culmination of a decades-long process.

“This concert has been 25 years in the making,” Hein said. “We’ve worked to make sure that our fairgoers receive what they’ve been asking for. There’s a lot of energy and a lot of flash here at the Pre-Fair kickoff party. This event is a great reason for everyone to come out, set their differences aside, and just have fun. I believe that the Pre-Fair kickoff will set the tone for the rest of the week.”

This particular kickoff party was historic for several reasons. Not only was this the first concert to be held at the Lake County Fair in 25 years, but it was also one of the most-attended Lake County Fair concerts of all time. Over 4,000 fairgoers – a figure that far exceeded the estimated number of attendees – gathered in the Grandstand Arena’s mosh pit, stands, and lawn seating, ready to enjoy some country music. The kickoff party also featured a full-fledged beer garden, making the Lake County Fair the first in the Region to do so.

DJ Kyndred started things out strong by warming up the crowd with a selection of remixed country tunes and soon had them singing along. Shaylen then took to the stage to offer up such heartfelt original tunes as “What If I Don’t” and shared how she has overcome trials and tribulations to become a rising star in the Nashville country scene. Moon performed several of his rockin’ original tunes like “Boat Song” and “These Are the Days,” offering up a performance that celebrated community, the great outdoors, and life itself.

“We try to promote agriculture here at the Fair,” Hein said “The artists who are performing tonight are all country singers who capture the spirit of rural America. That means that they fit right in with our mission and the tone we want the Fair to have.”

During his electrifying set, Dickerson played several of his hit songs, including the fan-favorite “God Gave Me a Woman.” As a special treat for the Lake County Fair audience, he performed “Work Your Wild,” one of his newest songs, live onstage for the very first time. The song would go on to be released to the rest of the world at midnight. The party atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the crowd cheered and sang along with their favorite songs.

Hein is quite pleased with the outcome of the concert and appreciates seeing how much the fairgoers enjoyed it. He looks forward to implementing a concert series in future Lake County Fair installments, viewing the triumphs of the now-historic Lake County Fair 2025 as a portent for future concerts’ successes.

“I enjoy putting smiles on peoples’ faces,” Hein said. “I’ve had this job since 2018 and I love it. There’s nothing more fulfilling than watching fairgoers to have a good time and receiving their thanks for the experience.”Please visit lake-county-fair.com for more information on the 2025 Lake County Fair’s grandstand events and other attractions.