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A solid group of supporters were chanting "Wade Hayes" as he came on stage, and the crowd continued to express its enthusiastic support through-out the show - from the opening "On a Good Night" to the final encore of "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink." Carter McGlothlin, Chairman for Country and Bluegrass Entertainment for the fair, introduced Wade as one of his favorite entertainers that he'd been trying to get to the fair for a long time. I kept hearing from local residents, "I've always loved Wade's music - o glad to get to see him live - great show! In addition to the Virginia supporters, the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and West Virginia were account for. I'm sure there were others.
Accompanied by a savvy band that included long-time friend, fiddler and former Wheel Hoss band-mate, Randy Lanham, Wade delivered a powerful set of his hit releases and standard covers. Randy's "Orange Blossom Special" blew the crowd away.
The mild evening weather added to the enjoyment. The courtin' cricket under the stage tried to jive with the musicians, but missed the mark. More on target were the "buck dancers" who showed off their steps on one of the concrete slabs at ground level in front of the stage. Wade commented that he was seeing something he'd  never seen before when a youthful "break dancer" joined the fancy steppers. It was an evening for all ages.
The fortunate audience heard four songs penned by Wade that are as yet un-released. Two of them with the full band, "She Knows Me" and "A Good Day to Go Crazy." Two of them with Randy as an acoustic set, "The Devil Song" and The Best Part." All very well received – some brought laughter, some brought tears. At the end of the set, the audience clamored for and got an encore. The after show meet-and-greet lasted until everyone got the hoped for autographs and pictures.
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