June 20, 2005 - Don't "Blame It on Texas," We're Showing Our Age! St. Lucie County Celebrates 100 Years of History!

St. Lucie County will celebrate its Centennial on Saturday, July 2, 2005 from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. at the St. Lucie County Fairgrounds. Throughout the day, the FREE event includes live entertainment, children's activities, arts and crafts, storytelling, historical displays, old-fashioned games, food and beverages, a laser light show and the biggest fireworks display the Treasure Coast has ever seen! Not to mention, an exciting concert by country music superstar Mark Chesnutt! Mark Chesnutt, one of country's true musical treasures, has 14 No. 1 hits, 23 top ten singles, four platinum albums and five gold records including such hits as "Blame It On Texas," "Bubba Shot the Jukebox," and "Sure is Monday."

Storytellers from all walks of life will tell tales of St. Lucie County through the years in Exhibit Hall C. Guests scheduled to tell stories and reminisce about life "back in the good old days" include: Louise Jones Gopher, a Seminole Indian Storyteller who now lives in Brighton Reservation but grew up in Fort Pierce (11 a.m.); Teresa Farnell, "Growing Up in St. Lucie County" (12:30 p.m.); Ada Coates Williams with stories and her book, "The Ashley Gang" (1:30 p.m.); Alto 'Bud' Adams with his book, "Florida Wildlife (2:30 p.m.);" and Lucille Riley Rights with St. Lucie County Historical Highlights (3:30 p.m.).


The ever-popular Buckler's Arts and Crafts Show will fill Exhibit Hall A with handmade, one-of-a-kind crafts from around the southeastern United States. Buckler's shows are so popular, that an entrance fee is generally charged. Guests can attend this show free of charge! For more information on Buckler's Arts and Crafts shows, visit their website at www.bpcraftfairs.com.

Remember the good old days when a game of checkers was the only thing on your "to do" list? Well, join the Old-fashioned Games committee as they host activities at the Steer Building from noon until 6 p.m. At noon, St. Lucie Battery & Tire sponsors the Egg and Spoon Race; at 1 p.m., Harbor Town Marina sponsors the 3-Legged Race; at 2 p.m. the Sack Race; at 3 p.m., the St. Lucie County Historical Society sponsors the "Foot Race;" at 4 p.m., Publix of Fort Pierce sponsors the Pie-Eating Contest; and at 5 p.m., the Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest. All day activities for young and not-so-young alike at the Old-Fashioned Games area includes Riverside National Bank's bean bag toss, checkers, chess, hula-hoops, sidewalk chalk, coloring, bubbles, beading, jump rope, haystack treasure hunt, baseball and milk bottles game, coin toss, putting and range golf ball hitting area (sponsored by PGA). The games are open to everyone, but limited in numbers of participants, and prizes will be awarded. Participation in the games is free, but some games require pre-registration. Call Thondra Lanese at Blair Advertising at (772) 465-4654 for more information.

Like to dance? Stroll over to the Livestock Show Arena for musical entertainment that will keep you moving! WAVE Country 92.7 FM presents the Colgate Country Music Challenge, a battle of the bands featuring area country musicians and singers competing for a chance to win $100,000, beginning at noon. At 2 p.m., the United States Navy Band, sponsored by WQCS 88.9 FM, takes the stage for a patriotic performance that is sure to please. Rhythm and blues enthusiasts will enjoy the Ossie Wright Band and Friends as they rock the stage at 4 p.m.

The Busch Stables will be set up as a covered hospitality area with tables and chairs for guests to eat, drink, rest and catch some local entertainment like the Treasure Coast Performing Arts Group, the Swingtastics, Jernie Talles and Mairen Medina. Children’s inflatable rides will be set up in the middle of the Fairgrounds including slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses, rock wall and more.

As the sun sets on the day's activities, the Adams Ranch Equestrian Center heats up with the country music sounds of Mark Chesnutt. Chesnutt takes the stage approximately 8 p.m. and will rock the house with songs spanning his career. The CMA Horizon Winner is easily identified for his string of hits including "Brother Jukebox," "Blame It On Texas," "Old Flames Have New Names," "Old Country," "It Sure Is Monday," "Almost Goodbye," "I Just Wanted You To Know" "Going Through The Big D," "It’s A Little Too Late," "Gonna Get A Life," and one of his biggest, "I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing" which held its position at the top of the charts for four consecutive weeks. When the concert is over, enjoy the laser light show and gigantic fireworks display to cap off the evening.

Although the event is free, parking is $2 per vehicle to benefit the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Explorers. Lawn chairs and blankets are permitted inside the Fairgrounds, but no coolers or pets are allowed. Times and events are subject to change and the event will take place rain or shine.