Country music artist Steve Azar will be the headline entertainer at the 2005 Clatsop County Fair.

Azar, best known for his No. 2 hit “I Don’t Have to Be Me (‘Til Monday),” will perform on opening night, Aug. 2. Admission to his concert is free with paid admission to the fair.

“We are excited to sign Steve to perform at our fair. He is a nationally known and popular performer and song writer who engages his audience,” said Fair Board member Paul Mitchell, who is in charge of entertainment and promotion.

Azar, who grew up in a tiny town on the Mississippi Delta, cites such varied artists as Hank Williams, John Denver, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp as his influences. He writes his songs from everyday life. On “I Don’t Have to Be Me” he tapped into the increasingly common need for relief from job pressures. His single “Doin’ It Right” reflects his own coming out into the light after of a period of darkness after throat surgery, according to Azar’s Web site (www.steveazar.com).

The fair is approaching, promising daily animal shows, performances and events, as well as a logging show.

If you enjoy painting, baking, preserving canned goods, knitting, ceramics or photography, you can enter the Open Class exhibit, which promotes homemade creations from local creative adults and children. Winners will be awarded a nice ribbon and, in some cases, a little cash.

The year’s Open Class competition features categories for horticulture, flora culture, textiles, quilts, home economics, creative arts, hobbies, crafts, photography, art and winemaking. Children 15 and younger can compete in the Junior Section. A Senior Citizens class is for individuals 62 or older.

Contests will include Bob’s Best Home Baked Bread, Hurst’s Summer Blueberry Cupcakes, Super Muffins with Santiam, The County’s Best Shrimp Salad, Let’s Entertain with Reser’s Fine Foods, Oregon’s Fruit Classic Dessert Tarts, Best Preserves in the County, Put Schoolhouse Bread in Your Bag to Win, Hermiston Watermelon’s Champion Spit-Off, and Oregon Wheat Grower’s Association.

Open Class exhibits need to be brought to the Exhibit Hall at the fairgrounds between 1 and 8 p.m. July 31. Exhibits will be judged the next day.