Free Musical Performances Among Highlights of the Upcoming Southwest Washington Fair

Note: The 2022 Southwest Washington Fair begins Tuesday, Aug. 16, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 21. Find out more at  https://southwestwashingtonfair.org/.

There’s a full slate of music and entertainment scheduled for the 2022 Southwest Washington Fair, and some of the options won’t cost you a cent after paying for admission.

Below is a roundup of some of what is scheduled for the fair, which opens on Tuesday, Aug. 16, and ends on Sunday, Aug. 21.

For the full schedule — including any last minute changes — visit https://southwestwashingtonfair.org/.

All of the following entertainment will be on the Saloon Stage, where all concerts and events are free with fair admission.

Little Miss Friendly Announcement Ceremony: 6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 16                                                     

Meet the five finalists competing for Little Miss Friendly 2022. Contestants are young ladies between the ages of 8 and 10. The winner serves all year long as the “living logo” of the Southwest Washington Fair. She attends a variety of community events throughout the year. Prizes for the winner are provided by the Centralia Kiwanis, Butler Amusements and the Southwest Washington Fair Association. The ceremony is hosted by Jerry Owens.

Martin Solis y su Inborrable: 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 16

Take in a free concert and dance sponsored by Centralia-based Mexican restaurant Tacos El Rey.

Paperback Writer, the Ultimate Beatles Experience: 3 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17

Paperback Writer is a combination of world famous musical hits and theatrical illusion. As a top tribute band, this show recreates the worldwide popularity of the Beatles magic. Paperback Writer’s performance is part high energy and part sentimental as they cover the greatest hits of both Beatle eras. All the fan favorite songs are here – combined with the Fab Five showmanship and costuming. The shows are sponsored by L&E Bottling and Mike and Pat Dooms, the fair’s poultry superintendents.

The Swon Brothers: 8 p.m.,  Thursday, Aug. 18

Zach and Colton Swon are a country music duo hailing from Muskogee, Oklahoma. They started their careers as children in their family’s touring gospel group. As young men, they embarked on a country music career and worked their way up to a win on NBC-TV’s “The Voice.” The Swon Brothers have been associated with two major record labels. Their musical style is described as “Rascal Flatts meets The Eagles.” They have performed with numerous big name country artists. One Nashville talent insider predicts The Swon Brothers “will explode on the country music scene” anytime now. The Southwest Washington Fair is proud to present The Swon Brothers as the headline country concert this year.

Aaron Crawford: 4 and 8 p.m.  Friday, Aug. 19

As the founder and original Cascade Country Artist, Aaron Crawford is working hard to raise attention to the country music scene in the Pacific Northwest. He has a unique talent for combining classic country with rock and roll. He has shared the stage with Maren Morris, Scotty Mccreery and Russell Dickerson and opened for Dwight Yoakam, Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Darius Rucker, Adam Craig and Tyler Farr. With over 10 years of performances and over 1,000 shows, his experience, confidence and passion shines on stage. Aaron Crawford keeps the crowd dancing and singing along with a great mix of originals and classic hits.

The Boondock Boys: 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20

Officials with the Southwest Washington Fair called the Oregon State Fair, who adopted these gentlemen as their “house band,” and the report was, “The Boondock Boys are great fun, a great band, and people love them!" So they’re not famous yet, but they could be soon. In the meantime, they’re playing two high-energy afternoon shows loaded with lots of rockin’ modern pop and country songs. The Boondock Boys will make you move and get in the groove.

“Poker Face”: 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20

Lady Gaga is one of the most famous musical acts in the world. This is a tribute show to give fair-goers a taste of what Lady Gaga is all about. The music, the wigs, the costumes — it’s all outrageous and fascinating. “Poker Face” stars Gabrielle Burton and her backup singers and dancers in full concert mode. For Lady Gaga fans and for the curious – this is a fascinating show. It’s also family friendly.

KACS Family Day Concerts: Mac Powell,  3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21

Opening the KACS 90.6 Family Day concert lineup is returning favorite Mac Powell and his band. Mac Powell is a singer, songwriter, producer and musician most known for forming the Christian rock band Third Day. He is a four-time Grammy award winner. Mac Powell is also a recipient of the Gospel Music Association award for “Male Vocalist of the Year.” Mac Powell’s voice and abilities continue to inspire Christian music audiences everywhere.

KACS Family Day Concerts: We Are Messengers, 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 21

We Are Messengers are a family, a band and a ministry from Ireland who are now based in the United States. In the band’s own words “At the heart of our mission is the desire to serve God and to see His radical love transform our lives and our communities. We have been given an incredible opportunity to share the goodness of Jesus Christ through music and the testimony of our lives.” We Are Messengers self-titled debut record was an immediate hit on the US Christian charts.