Little Texas, a country band who saw much success in the early 1990s, will headline the fair activities Tuesday, taking the stage at 8:30 p.m. to play their hits like “What Might Have Been” and “First Time For Everything”.

Town and Country Days is sure to shine its brightest yet as it celebrates its golden anniversary Aug. 9-14. Located approximately three miles east of New Martinsville on state Route 7, Town and Country Days will celebrate its 50 years at the 4-H ground in a big way. “The Board of Directors is very excited about this great celebration,” said president Merle Lemasters. “Our theme for the fair this year is ’50 Years of People Sharing’. We have worked diligently to provide the people of Wetzel County and the surrounding area a quality week of fun, excitement, and entertainment.”

Although the fair doesn’t officially begin until Monday, several events prior to Aug. 9 will help kick off the festivities. On Aug. 7 the public is invited to the fairgrounds free of charge for a flea market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Campers will also be admitted onto the grounds beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a horse show at noon. The Miestersingers will perform on the stage that evening at 7 p.m.

Sunday’s activities include the flea market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., car show registration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., livestock acceptance from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and FFA and 4-H acceptance from noon to 4 p.m. Also on Sunday produce and arts and crafts entries are accepted from 1-6 p.m.

Monday, the big kickoff day will feature the popular demolition derby at the track and the various pageants at the stage area. The Prince and Princess Contest will be held at 5 p.m. Monday before the grand opening ceremony at 6 p.m. The Little Miss, Pre-Teen, Miss Teen, and Queen’s Pageant will begin at 6:30 p.m. that evening.

A big name to grace the Town and Country Days stage this year is Little Texas, who will play Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. The high-energy rockin’ country band may not have topped the charts for a few years, but that doesn’t stop fans from loving their new sound mixed with favorites such as “Some Guys Have All The Love” and “First Time For Everything”.

“Everybody still has a ‘What Might Have Been’ and there’s always a ‘First Time For Everything,’ and folks still want to ‘Kick A Little,'” shares bassist-vocalist Duane Propes, referring to the group’s continued rotation at radio and generations of both old and new fans that keep the band playing their classics and putting out new music.

Their sophomore album, Big Time, released in 1993, has sold more than three million copies to date. It spawned three number one singles-“What Might Have Been,” “God Blessed Texas” and “My Love”-and captured the group’s first CMT Award, a Billboard award, a Radio & Records award, and a Grammy nod.

The multi-platinum band’s four original members-Propes, Porter Howell (lead vocals and lead guitar), Dwayne O’Brien (vocals and rhythm guitars), and Del Gray (drums)-have recently rebuilt the franchise with a completely new sound and with two recent albums under their collective musical belt, they couldn’t be happier to be back on tour and bringing fans what they do best.

“The four of us appreciate each other and still have a ball on stage,” says Gray of the band’s chemistry on stage after all this time. “There is a comfort level that happens to us when we play together that can only happen with 20 years of experience.”

Also returning to the Town & Country Days stage, a favorite in years past, will be Phil Dirt and The Dozers on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. America’s premiere “Rock ‘N R’oldies” review (and the most popular vintage rock and roll show in the nation) helps audience members recapture those wonderful days! With their musical talent, high energy, and contagious sense of humor, Phil Dirt & The Dozers will transport you to another time and place . . . namely, the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s of rock and roll. Prior to Phil Dirt and The Dozers, local band Hundred Miles from Nowhere will perform at 7 p.m.

On Thursday the local talent show will be held on the stage at 6:30 p.m. (registration at 5:30 p.m.). On Friday evening local bands Coaltrain, and Days Later will play at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively. Saturday evening 2002 Colgate Country Showdown winner Glen Shelton will perform at 7 p.m. followed by Darryl Worley, known for chart-topping hits such as “I Miss My Friend” and “Have You Forgotten?” at 8:30 p.m. The fair will end with a bang with fireworks at 10:30 p.m. Saturday night.

Of course Town and Country Days is much more than stage entertainment. The track offers great events each night: Monday, demolition derby; Tuesday, ATV and motorcycle motorcross; Wednesday, truck and thrill show; Thursday, 4×4 truck pulls; Friday, 4×4 truck pulls; and Saturday, ATV and motorcycle drag races.

Other big events throughout the week include the Black Stallion Monster “Truck and Thrill Show” on Wednesday at 7 p.m., Senior Citizens Day activities Thursday until 1 p.m. There will be karaoke and a teen dance Friday evening.

Daily there are commercial, home, livestock, and produce exhibits; Bingo, puppet show; chainsaw demonstration; and drawing for prizes; as well as carnival rides and games by Deshler Amusements, which are included with the price of admission.Admission is $8 per day for age five and up. Season passes are available for $30. For more information visit townandcountrydays.org.