Reklaws, Josh Ross headline Norfolk’s Party on the Track concerts

Two country music acts will headline this year’s Party of the Track at the Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show.

On Friday, Oct. 6, one of Canada’s hottest country duos, The Reklaws, will take the stage. It will be their first time performing in front of the Norfolk Fair & Horse Show grandstand and track.

“They’ve been on our wish list for a number of years,” said Angela Hogeveen, fair general manager/treasurer. “We are delighted.”

The Reklaws, siblings Jenna and Stuart Walker, hosted this year’s Canadian Country Music Association Awards on Sept. 16 where they were nominated for five awards. The Reklaws was awarded for top selling Canadian album of the year.

On Oct. 7 newcomer Alli Walker will warm up the crowd before young country artist, Josh Ross, headlines Saturday’s grandstand show.

Ross won the breakthrough artist of the year award at the CCMA awards.

“Josh is country at the end of the day, but he is a little bit more ‘pop rock’. The Reklaws, too, they stretch genres a little bit and have wider appeal than just a true country-at-its-core,” said Hogeveen.

Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show has a good reputation among the musical artists, she noted.

“People have a great time here, there’s a great crowd, and that really does play a part when we’re looking to book acts. They know they’re coming to an awesome audience, an awesome location. They’re going to have a good experience – we’re going to take care of them, and it makes them a lot more willing to work with us.”

When it comes to signing big name talent, Hogeveen said it often depends who is touring at the time of the fair, who is available, and their budget.

“A lot of country is very popular here,” said Hogeveen. “Sometimes we try to split it and do some country, some rock. It didn’t work out that way this year… but country typically does well for us and people are excited about it.”

The trajectory of the talent also comes into play, she said.

“Josh Ross and Alli Walker are both ‘newcomers’ but both are on a very good trajectory. Josh is living in Nashville now, and we’re looking at someone who in a couple years may be at the very top… and we might be able to say we had them here.”

A committee makes the final decision, said Hogeveen, noting advanced sales have been good so far.

“We are very happy with the lineup we ended up with and we’re excited.”

The Party on the Track will allow VIP ticket holders (19+) to enjoy a selection of spirits, mixed cocktails and canned beverages for purchase. Trackside (19+) and Grandstand Section C/D/E (19+) ticket holders will also have the opportunity to purchase Pure Spirits canned beverages as part of their concert experience.

Tickets to both shows are available at norfolkcountyfair.com. For a very limited time, those purchasing a ticket to both shows together will save $20+ per ticket depending on ticket type.

New this year, concert tickets for both shows will include daily admission to the fair. Check the website for more information.

Advance fair admission tickets to the Oct. 3-9 fair and horse show, ride all day vouchers (until Oct. 2) and parking are also available.

Fair tickets can also be purchased at Roulston’s Pharmacy in Simcoe, Port Dover and Delhi.