Tuesday, August 18th, 2020
Drive-in concert set for Sept. 27
By William Kincaid
CELINA - For King and Country, one of two acts originally booked for the Mercer County Fair's now canceled 2020 Christian concert, will perform a drive-in show on the fairgrounds parking lot at 8 p.m. Sept. 27, fair manager Cara Muhlenkamp said.
Fair officials also have arranged for the other act - Casting Crowns - to perform at next year's fair on Aug. 14, 2021.
The news comes several weeks after fair officials were forced to cancel the Christian and country concerts to comply with Gov. Mike DeWine's directive reducing county fairs to junior fairs featuring livestock competitions for children and teens, without the usual rides, games and grandstand events.
The Grammy Award-winning Christian group For King and Country looked for a way to keep the income flowing to those in their camp amid the pandemic that has turned the concert world upside down, Muhlenkamp said.
They came up with the concept of a drive-in tour, she said.
"When we knew that we were not going to be able to have the concert we started talking to our booking agent to see if it was possible to have them come and play here for the drive-in show," Muhlenkamp said.
After meeting with Mercer County Health District officials and ensuring all safety protocols could be met, fair officials decided to proceed with the For King and Country drive-in show.
For King and Country's crew will use the band's own sound system and large LED screens to allow attendees to see and hear all the action.
"Folks will be able to pull in out in the new west parking lot. They can either stay in their cars and view it from there or they can get get out and enjoy from a lawn chair there also," Muhlenkamp explained. "We are excited to be able to have this opportunity to have them here."
Tickets for the drive-in show are on sale via a link at mercercountyohiofair.com. The ticket price is structured to allow each purchaser to bring up to six occupants per vehicle, Muhlenkamp said. The show capacity is 300 vehicles.
As far as the Casting Crowns show planned for the 2021 fair, Muhlenkamp said it was about getting the stars to align to make it happen.
Those who had already purchased tickets for the 2020 Christian concert have numerous options. They can hold on to them and use them at next year's Casting Crowns show, or they can call or stop by the fair office to exchange them for tickets to attend the For King and County's drive-in show.
Those seeking a refund can call or stop by the fair office.
Tickets for Casting Crowns will go on sale to the public on Oct. 5.
For more information call the fair office at 419-586-3239.
