N.C. State Fair announces entertainment lineup

Two former reality TV contestants and a chef highlight N.C. State Fair’s 2008 entertainment lineup released Wednesday.

“American Idol” finalist Bucky Covington, of Rockingham, will take the stage on Oct. 21. Covington has been pursuing a country-rock career since being voted off Idol. He will perform songs from his debut album.

R&B star Mario will perform Oct. 23. Mario was featured this year on “Dancing with the Stars.” He also had a hit with the single “Let Me Love You.”

Food Network star Bobby Flay will be cooking up snacks Oct. 20 at the Dorton Arena stage. Flay hosts “Throwdown! With Bobby Flay!” and “Boy Meets Grill with Bobby Flay.” He is also one of the network’s five Iron Chefs.

Also performing at the state fair:
Josh Turner – Oct. 16
Jason Aldean – Oct. 17
Contemporary Christian singer Toby Mac – Oct. 18
Christian rock groups Skillet and Leeland – Oct. 24
Joe Nichols – Oct. 25
Montgomery Gentry – Oct. 26

All performances start at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for all shows can be purchased online beginning Aug. 1.

After the state fair begins, tickets can be purchased at the Dorton Arena Box Office.