Boots were tapping at the SEMO District Fair Friday night to the tunes of three country music performers who have filled the record charts with several top hits.

As part of their Honky-Tonk Tailgate Party tour, singers Rhett Akins, Daryle Singletary and Wade Hayes entertained the grandstand crowds with songs about finding love, losing love and when love goes wrong.

Singletary hopped on stage first, encouraging the audience to stand up and have a good time. He opened the show with a tribute to George Jones with the title song from his newest CD, "That's Why I Sing This Way."

He is also known from his previous singles, "I Let Her Lie," "Too Much Fun" and "I Know That I Loved You." Singletary also took fans down memory lane with a remake of Johnny Paycheck's song "Old Violin."

Addressing the women in the audience, he said he dedicated "I'd Love to Lay You Down" to "all the beautiful ladies here tonight."

His attention to the women was returned by cheers and a few hollers.

"I like his style, his appearance," said Rita Wagner of Perkins, Mo. "He's a hunk."

Hayes joined Singletary on stage after a few songs to play guitar.

Hayes has made four albums and co-wrote two No. 1 hits, "Old Enough to Know Better" and "I'm Still Dancing With You."

He also had several female fans in the audience who did not fail to notice his standard cowboy hat, Wranglers and faded T-shirt.

"He's good-looking," said Anita Hahs of Oak Ridge, Mo. "I like all of his music, so I couldn't tell you which one of his songs is my favorite."

Akins was the last of the three artists to take the stage. Akins is known for his songs "She Said Yes," "Don't Get Me Started" and "That Ain't My Truck."

The Honky-Tonk Tailgate Party makes its next stop tonight at Sharp's Family Farm in Glenpool, Okla.

The SEMO District Fair's entertainment lineup continues at 8 p.m. today at the grandstand with '70s rock group .38 Special.

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160