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Country stars replace Tractor Pull as Henry County Fair revamps Friday night entertainment
Aaron Tippin and Tigirlily Gold take the stage July 18 as the fair swaps engines for country anthems
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MT. PLEASANT — The 2025 Henry County Fair promises a week of exciting entertainment at the grandstands including a whole new addition Friday night.
According to Henry County Fair Board Member Alicia Yocum, the fair lost money every year on the previous Friday night entertainment of the IFPA Truck & Tractor Pull, and this year, the board decided it was time for a change.
Instead of the easily recognizable roar of trucks and tractors opening grandstand entertainment at the fair this year, fairgoers will hear the good old county music coming from the stage.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the grandstand on Friday, July 18 Aaron Tippin and Tigirlily Gold will kick off this year’s fair entertainment.
Aaron Tippin is an American country singer known for his patriotic, blue-collar anthems and strong baritone voice. Rising to fame in the early ’90s, he built a career on songs that champion hard work, American pride, and traditional values.
“Tippin’s music has resonated with fans for decades because his love for God, country and family has always been front and center,” Tippin’s biography on his website states. “He sings songs that celebrate the life of the common, hardworking man because that’s who Tippin is at his core.”
Some of Tippin’s most recognizable songs include “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” “You’ve Got to Stand for Something,” “That’s as Close as I’ll get to Loving You,” and “Kiss This.”
In addition to Tippin’s ‘90s country music, sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh of Tigirlily Gold will fill the fairgrounds with their own modern country tunes.
This 2024 ACM Award winning Duo of the Year is best known for songs like “Shoot Tequila,” “I Tried a Ring On,” “Somebody Does,” and “Forever From Here.”
According to Tigirlily Gold’s website, they’re poised for a breakout year and “ready to bring girl group energy back to country,” as they make a stop at the Henry County Fair.
Tickets to this concert range from $30-40 and fans can get the best price by visiting www.henrycountyfair.com to purchase tickets ahead.
Not all grandstand entertainment at the 2025 fair is new. Returning Saturday, July 19 fairgoers can enjoy the Demolition Derby starting at 7 p.m. with pits opening at 3 p.m.
This event costs $50 for participants with a guaranteed $8,000 purse divided per car count to winners. All demo vehicles must be signed in one hour before start time, and must have passed inspection.
The demolition derby will feature the following classes:
Full-size stock
Mini van, truck, SUV
Weld Compact
Power wheels
Stock Compact
Lawn Mowers
To attend the event, tickets are $10 for those 11 and older, while 10 and under are $5. A pit pass is $20. Tickets may be purchased at the Henry County Fair website or the day of the event.
An ATV Rodeo will wrap up the weekend’s entertainment, starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 20 and registration at noon. The event will feature children 18 years old and younger racing across a track in seven different groups.
Whether you’re looking forward to all the traditions of the Henry County Fair or excited for something new, the grandstands will offer it all during the 2025 fair.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
