The grandstand is going to be rocking a bit more than usual at the Mower County Fair this August.

The fair, which is Aug. 11-16, will bring in two musical acts to the grandstand: country artist Gwen Sebastian and Elvis Presley tribute artist Brad Boice — both of whom have played the fair before.

“People have asked for more live music in the grandstand,” said Mower County Fair Board Director John Mueller.

The fair has typically had one musical act in the grandstand the last few years.

Boice is trading in popular shows on the Fair Square stage and is bringing his 10-piece Elvis and the Big Band show to the grandstand stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.

“Brad is immensely popular in Mower County,” he said.

Sebastian performed for a packed crowd in the beer garden a few years ago and will play at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. She has toured with Blake Shelton and appeared on “The Voice.”

Mueller called Sebastian a “great entertainer in her own right.”

The grandstand also includes Motokazi at 7 p.m. Tuesday, the National Tractor Pullers Association tractor pull at 7 p.m. Friday, Great Frontier Bull Riding at 7 p.m. Saturday, and the demolition derby at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Saturday bull riding will again include the youth mutton busting competition. Registration forms are available at www.mowercountyfair.com and are due by 5 p.m. Aug. 15.

Tina & Lena’s last laugh

Opening ceremonies will be on the Farm Bureau stage at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

Several popular acts are set to return, including Tina & Lena for what Mueller said will be their last show at the fair. The popular Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50s will return, and the fair talent contest will be on Saturday with the winners moving on to the state fair.

As in past years, Wednesday will be Day Care Day, Thursday will be Senior Day and Sunday is Veterans Day. Day cares must register in advance, and free parking hours will be announced for seniors and veterans.

Back at the midway

Gold Star Amusements is returning for its second run in Mower County.

GoldStar came to Austin for the first time last year, ending Miriam Midway’s 30-plus year run.

Mueller said GoldStar formed a good base in Austin last year.

“From the numbers, it was a very successful year,” Mueller said.

Mueller said GoldStar is expected to bring in a bit larger setup this year with slightly larger rides. He also said there will likely be a petting zoo at this year’s fair.

Continued traditions

Many community favorites are slated to return, including the traditional 4-H, FFA and open animal exhibits, America’s Original Farmyard, and the traditional food venders.

Farm equipment displays proved popular last year with both farmers and non-farmers, and Mueller said that’ll continue this year. A lot of people are looking forward to that.

“That was very well received, so we’ll continue with that,” he said.

Check the Herald, www.mowercountyfair.com and the fair’s Facebook page for more updates as it gets closer to fair time.