The 27th Annual Colgate Country Showdown
is designed to find the most promising country music talent in
America and to give these performers a chance to launch their
professional music careers.
Bushwhacker Days 2008 will have something for everyone, including big-name entertainment on both Friday and Saturday nights. The Bushwhacker entertainment committee has finalized the contracts for this year’s stars and is proud, once again, to bring high-caliber entertainers to Nevada and Vernon County at absolutely no charge to the viewing public.
Wednesday Night
Official opening ceremonies and Bushwhacker proclamations will be issued Wednesday evening, at 6 p.m. Featured activities that night include the “Legends of our Flags” ceremony, “Songfest of Celebration”, a southern gospel music tradition, Elaine’s Ice Cream Social and the Bushwhacker cookout. All events will be held downtown on the courthouse square, along with the “Amazing Animal” dog show, coordinated by the University of MO Extension Council and WAGS. The Pride Amusements carnival will set the Hunter Street and Washington Street midways aglow, beginning with an armband discount night Wednesday. A celebration of the 100 year old Vernon County Courthouse will also be part of Wednesday night festivities.
Wednesday Night Chair: Justin Fisher
Opening Ceremonies: Jennifer Braun
Thursday Night
Thursday, June 12th is designated as “local legends night”, when local musicians perform. The entire evening’s entertainment features Local Legends Through the Ages that begins with a Bushwhacker Barbeque. Armband night will again be held at the carnival. The Thursday Night Local Legends Show will be held from 6-10 pm.
Thursday Night Chairs: Lorrie & Dan Divine
Friday Night
Friday is always a special homecoming evening, when the street fair begins with dozens of food vendors and specialty crafters surrounding the courthouse square. The Colgate Country Showdown will feature 10 to 12 finalists seeking a national country music contract and sets the tone for the evening’s headliner act. Chantri Harper from Oklahoma will be the opening act and the Outlaw Junkies from Kansas City will be the featured performers for the evening.
Friday Night Chair: Sheena Dickey
Saturday Night
On Saturday, June 14th, the downtown area will come alive with the sights and sounds of Nevada and Vernon County history. Traditionally, Bushwhacker Days has always been a historically based celebration. This year will feature unique skirmishes, and exhibitors depicting Early 1800, Pioneer, Border Wars, Victorian, and World War II lifestyles. From the sunrise Bushwhacker Balloon liftoff to the baby shows and lip sync contest right through the Bushwhacker parade and closing concerts by Amanda Shaw from New Orleans and the Parrots of the Caribbean, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, on Saturday night, locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy this year’s celebration. All entertainment and programs, except for carnival rides, are provided at no charge to Bushwhacker Days attendees, courtesy of the numerous festival sponsors and coordinators.
Saturday Chair: Jonathan Roberts
Entertainment Chairpersons: Betsy Miller and Glenda Crowder
Bushwhacker Days will will also feature all your favorite Bushwhacker regular's including a the Bushwhacker Baby Contest, Rides and games, Parade, street vendors food and more.
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