FRANKLIN—The Franklin-Southampton County Fair committee announces a fundraiser for the upcoming fair. Colt Ford will be in concert at the fairground Sat., April 27, 2013. Gates open at 1 p.m. for general admission.

This is a general fundraiser for the Franklin-Southampton county fair, which will be held later this year, and will be held at the Southampton County Fair grounds.

“We wanted to try this and utilize that wonderful stage we have for something else besides the fair,” said Fair Publicity Chairman Sandra Heeren. “

We had such a good response to Colt Ford the year he was at the fair we thought we would get him back and do a fundraiser,” she added.  “As so many people around here know we operate from sponsorships, donations and fundraisers, without these things we would not be able to have the fair.  Hopefully this will be the first of many such events as fundraisers for the fair.”

The opening act for the concert will be local group Hickory Knoll, who will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. The band consists of friends who began playing music in Sedley and includes Jason Francis of Boykins, Sonny Davis of Courtland, Jack Britt of Hunterdale, Jeff Raiford of Black Creek and Frank Ricks of Isle of Wight.

Colt Ford will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. He has a new album, Declaration of Independence, and it is being touted as his best album yet.

Declaration of Independence, released on Ford’s own Average Joes Entertainment, is being called one of the most noteworthy releases this year, which is saying a lot for a man who has already sold nearly a million albums and three million downloads.

In all, Colt wrote or co-wrote 14 of the album’s 15 tracks. “This album is very real and honest and by far the best record I’ve ever made,” Ford said in a press release.

Colt’s list of guest superstars on Declaration of Independence is an impressive one. Jason Aldean, for whom Colt co-wrote the smash “Dirt Road Anthem,” lends his vocal talents to “Drivin’ Around,” while Jake Owen adds his unique spin on “Back,” the album’s first single.

Along with the Colt Ford concert, activities are planned for throughout the day April 27.

ATV Mud Bog starts at 1:30 with registration from 12-1 p.m.

A Cornhole tournament starts at 3:30 p.m. with registration at 3 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Admission is $20.00 per person and tickets will be sold at the gates. For advance tickets, you can purchase from any fair board member or online. Got to the website at www.franklinsouthamptoncountyfair.org and click the link to Eventbrite or go directly to www.eventbrite.com.

There will be food vendors and beverages for sale. No outside food or beverages will be allowed into the fair grounds.

The gates will close at 11 p.m.