Amidst the hay and horses, cows and corn, the SEMO District Fair brings country music to Cape Girardeau next week.

The fair begins Sunday and runs through Sept. 19 at Cape Girardeau's Arena Park. Grandstand entertainment begins Monday with a demolition derby. Tuesday is a tractor pull, and Wednesday is a truck pull.

The music starts Thursday with country superstar Willie Nelson.

Nelson has a string of hit songs dating back three decades. He's been winning awards since 1975. Among Nelson favorites are "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "Georgia On My Mind," "On the Road Again," and "Mamas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys."

Tickets for Nelson's Cape Girardeau performance are still available, but fair organizers say his concert has proven one of the most popular with ticket buyers in the fair's history. Fans lined up early on the first day of sales to get the best seats to see the "Red-Headed Stranger" in person.

Friday, the grandstand will rock with the 1998 Top New Male Vocalist of the Year, Kenny Chesney. His recent hits include "All I need to Know," "When I Close My Eyes," "Chance" and "That's Why I'm Here."

One of Chesney's first musical jobs was with a bluegrass band. He also developed his talent for writing songs. Songwriting opened the doors of Nashville for him, leading to his own recording contract.

On Saturday night, the award-winning band Lonestar takes the stage with their distinctive Texas-style of music.

"Crazy Nights," the band's second album, hit stores in June. The first single from that album, "Come Cryin' To Me," was their fastest-rising single and held the number one spot on the charts for two consecutive weeks. Their second single, "You Walked In," was in the top 12. Their current single, "Say When," also made the Top 10.

Opening for Lonestar is newcomer Brad Hawkins, who has a reputation for a high-energy stage show. His enthusiasm for performance is evident as he describes his songs.

Of "D.U.I. of Love" Hawkins says, "The first time I ever played it live, people immediately started dancing. I've been sold on this song ever since." And about the song "Too Bad," he said, "This is my favorite song to perform live. And by the time I get to the second chorus, people that have never heard this song before are singing with me. I love that."

Entertainment isn't limited to the fair's grandstand. For the price of admission to the fair, an assortment of free entertainment will be provided throughout the week.

A big-top circus will play the fair all week, with clowns, jugglers, acrobats and animal acts. The free performances are Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday (Sept. 17) at 7:30 p.m., Friday (Sept. 18) at 5 and 7:30 p.m. and Saturday (Sept. 19) at 2, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Sept. 13, a gospel concert will be held on the fairgrounds starting at 2 p.m. The Crabb Family and The Freemans are featured.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, an Old Tyme Fiddler's Contest will be held. Registration begins at noon and prize money is awarded. Following the fiddle contest, country and western dancing will be demonstrated. Then Country Sounds will play from 6 to 8 p.m. at the fair's R&R Tent.

For information about tickets or other entertainment at the fair, call 1-800-455-FAIR or (573) 334-9250.