Patriotism Flies High at CMA's Fan Fair 2003

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- CMA's Fan Fair(R) is a four-day celebration of America's music and at its heart are the themes and issues that touch everyone including love of home and family. In troubled times, Country Music connects people through our mutual admiration of the songs, the artists who sing them and the everyday heroes who inspire them.

In honor of the sacrifices being made by American service men and women and their families, CMA is donating free tickets to Fan Fair's Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum (Thursday through Sunday, June 5-8) to military families at Fort Campbell. The tickets will be presented at Fort Campbell during Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 17, at "Family Fun Fair," which is presented by United States Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation MWR and the Fort Campbell Fire and Emergency Services departments.

Assisting in the ticket presentation and showing their support of the 101st Airborne Division will be several Country Music artists including Sherrie Austin, Eddie Bayers, Lane Brody, Clint Daniels, Hometown News, Brad Martin, Lila McCann and Chalee Tennison. The artists, who are all appearing at Fan Fair, will be signing autographs and entertaining the families.

Following "Family Fun Fair," CMA is participating in a free concert honoring the troops and their families at War Memorial Walking Trail Park in Oak Grove, Ky. The event, which is open to the public, is organized by the Oak Grove Tourism Commission and Nashville Country radio station WKDF. CMA will be on hand to issue discount coupons for Fan Fair's Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum. Artists participating in the event include Sherrie Austin, Restless Heart, Chalee Tennison, Steve Wariner and others.

"The relationship between Country artists and our troops and their families is a long-standing tradition and we are delighted that so many artists are demonstrating their support of the families on this special day," said Ed Benson, CMA Executive Director.

The demonstration of military support culminates at CMA Fan Fair's Pre- Show Activities on Thursday evening, June 5, at The Coliseum with Lt. Col. Rose-Ann Scrignoli singing the national anthem, the U.S. Marine Color Guard and Lee Greenwood performing.

Fan Fair is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. For the latest information and schedules, visit FanFair.com. For ticket information call toll-free, (866) FAN-FAIR or Ticketmaster outlets.