LEETOWN — Country music fans can look forward to seeing recording artist Wade Hayes on the Jefferson County Fair stage on Wednesday, Aug. 24, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Hayes’ debut single, “Old Enough to Know Better,” went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles in 1994. From the album of the same name, the song was joined by three additional singles from that album in the top ten. Hayes continued to release albums through the 1990s and then founded the duo McHayes with Mark McClung, fiddle player for Alan Jackson.

Hayes later joined the backing band for Randy Owen, lead singer of Alabama, in the late 2000s. In 2011, he was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer.

In the past few years, the singer/songwriter has navigated a complicated journey that has produced some of the most potent songs of his career. Having survived Stage IV colon cancer, not just once, but twice, has given him a unique perspective on the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. He has incorporated this perspective into his musical work and will bring that to the fair stage.

“We are excited to welcome the talent of Wade Hayes to the 69th annual Jefferson County Fair,” shared Todd Wilt, fair manager. “We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy what is sure to be a great evening.”

Starting off the week on Saturday, the Little Miss Jefferson County Fair begins at 1:30 p.m., followed that evening by the Miss Jefferson County Fair contest at 6:30 p.m. Sunday brings to the stage contestants for the Young Miss Jefferson County Fair pageant — a newly added age group for the pageant competitions. The contests are scheduled for completion on Sunday at 6:30 p.m., when the Junior Miss Jefferson County winner will be crowned.

Following tradition, Jefferson County’s middle school and high school bands will perform throughout the early part of fair week. On Monday, Shepherdstown Middle School will start things off at 6 p.m., followed by Wildwood Middle School’s band at 6:45 and Jefferson High’s Jazz Band performance at 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday will see things start with Harpers Ferry Middle School band at 6 p.m., followed by Charles Town Middle at 6:45 p.m. and concluding with the Washington High School band performance at 7:30 p.m.

In addition to Hayes’ performance, the fair stage will see a musical performance by the Revolution Band on Thursday evening beginning at 7:30 p.m. The band offers a diverse variety of music from hits of the ‘70s through today. The band is a welcomed repeat performer for the Jefferson County Fair.

Each of the musical performances throughout the week is included in the general admission price of the fair ticket.

All sorts of other entertainment options are available throughout the week for those looking for a change of pace from musical acts. The burnout contest once again takes place on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. in the arena area. Bull riding is scheduled for Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the arena, while the ever-popular demolition derby returns to the arena on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Tractor and truck pulls take part at various times throughout the week, and the living history performance of Mark Dudrow and his horse, Eve, return on Saturday, Aug. 27, at 10 a.m.

Nightly carnival rides are offered throughout the week, with ride-all-night specials on Monday and Wednesday, as well as kiddie afternoon prices on the final Saturday of the fair.

For a complete event schedule, visit the Jefferson County Fair Facebook page.