CLAY WALKER CONCERT OPENS 2008 STANISLAUS COUNTY FAIR

 

“Fall” may be the title of his hit single, but a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis has not tripped up Clay Walker’s musical career.

 

The talented Clay Walker will perform at the Stanislaus County Fair on opening night, Friday, July 25, 2008, at 8:30 p.m. on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage. This concert is hosted by KAT Country 103 and is included with Fair admission.

 

“We are excited to have a country music star of Clay Walker’s caliber open this year’s Fair,” said Pennie Rorex, spokesperson for the Stanislaus County Fair. “He sets the bar extra high for top-notch entertainment all ten nights of the 2008 Fair.” 

 

Clay Walker has acquired in his career four platinum albums and two gold albums with songs such as: “What’s It to You,” “Live Until I Die” and “This Woman and This Man,” but he’s not stopping now. Walker has recently released what he feels to be his best hit yet: “Fall.”

 

Clay was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1996 at the young age of 26. “Being diagnosed with MS hasn’t been easy,” said Clay. “I choose to view it as a ‘bump in the road’ rather than a detour, because I have been blessed to still be able to do the things I love. I know not everyone who is diagnosed with MS is that lucky. I want to help them by providing both a resource for information about MS and to take a leadership position in the fight to find a cure for this disease. The Band Against MS Foundation is an extension of these goals.”

 

In 2003, Clay formed his non-profit charity entitled Band Against MS which is dedicated to funding research, raising awareness and providing education for others battling multiple sclerosis. For more information, please visit their website at www.bandagainstms.org. To date, Band Against MS has raised over one million dollars for MS research to assist in finding a cure for this disease.

 

Recently, Clay and Band Against MS donated $25,000 to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to further their MS research. Clay then surprised everyone in attendance by pledging to donate the same amount for the next two years.

 

 

Clay Walker was recently named Ambassador by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the organization’s highest honor, for his work related to MS research. Clay’s fans, which he refers to as “fams” because they are like members of his family, recently donated $5,000 from an online auction his fan club held. FAMS for BAMS presented the check to Clay onstage in Las Vegas in December. The money raised went to Band Against MS to further the multiple sclerosis outreach.

 

MS is the leading cause of non-traumatic disability in young people throughout the world. Clay follows a healthy lifestyle, takes medication daily and is currently in remission.

 

As of today, the lineup on the Budweiser Variety Free Stage includes:

• Clay Walker – Friday, July 25, 2008
• Bowling for Soup – Saturday, July 26, 2008
• Building 429 and Matthew West – Monday, July 28, 2008
• Little Big Town – Tuesday, July 29, 2008
• The Doobie Brothers – Wednesday, July 30, 2008
• The Beach Boys – Friday, Aug. 1, 2008
• The Temptations - Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008

 

The 2008 Stanislaus County Fair opens Friday, July 25 for a 10-day run. Discounted Fair admission tickets and unlimited ride wristbands are now on sale at www.stancofair.com. Motorsports and bull riding event tickets go on sale on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 10 a.m. Visit the Fair’s website for complete ticket sales details.

 

This year’s Stanislaus County Fair is themed “Nuts are DINO-mite,” a salute to the valley’s robust nut industry. The Almond Board of California, a major sponsor of the Fair’s themed tribute, will be offering free samples of almonds each day of the Fair.

 

New to the 2008 Fair will be Jurassic Journey, an 8,000 square foot life-size dinosaur replica exhibit. The dinosaur exhibit is sponsored by Sky Trek Aviation and is making its California debut at the Stanislaus County Fair.

 

In 2008, the Stanislaus County Fair was awarded a first place award for the best Overall Children’s Program by the Western Fairs Association. The mission of the Stanislaus County Fair is to provide a family and community oriented experience promoting agriculture, education, entertainment and technology.

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