There are some shows you play because they’re another date on the calendar.
And then there are shows that mean a whole lot more.
Next week, Mike Kuster and The Catoctin Cowboys are heading to The Great Frederick Fair, and for me, this isn’t just another gig. In a lot of ways, it feels like coming full circle.
The Great Frederick Fair has been a part of my life for a long time. I even wrote a song about it.
Long before I ever dreamed I’d be standing on a stage there with a guitar in my hands, I was walking through those Fairgrounds as a 4-H and FFA member.
I showed animals at the Fair. I entered projects in the 4-H Building. I spent time getting my exhibits ready, bringing animals to the Fair, competing, learning and taking part in one of the biggest traditions in Frederick County. I even served as 4-H King during the fair.
The Fair wasn’t just something I went to.
I was part of it.
And later, I got to experience the Fair from a completely different perspective.
As a 4-H agent, I spent many years running 4-H programs and shows at the Fair. Instead of being the kid bringing an animal or project through the gate, I was helping the next generation of 4-H’ers have those same experiences.
I’ve seen the Fair from both sides — as a young person learning and competing, and later as an adult helping make those opportunities possible for others.
Then, my own children became 4-H exhibitors at the fair. They entered their projects and showed their animals. My sons served as 4-H Royalty just as I did. My daughter is a life member of the fair!
That’s a pretty meaningful history to have with one place.
And for the fifth year in a row, I’m coming back in yet another role: as a musician.
Next week, The Catoctin Cowboys and I will take the stage at The Great Frederick Fair to play some good old-fashioned country music.
We’ll be bringing original songs from my four Nashville-recorded albums, along with some of the classic country music that influenced me from the beginning — Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and plenty more.
I’ll also have some of the newer songs that have taken me to the top of independent country radio charts.
But regardless of what we play, I know I’ll be thinking about all those years spent at the Fair in a very different capacity.
It’s pretty amazing how life works sometimes.
The kid who once walked into the 4-H Building with a project and spent Fair week showing animals eventually became the 4-H agent helping run the programs and shows.
And now that same guy gets to walk onto a Fair stage with a guitar.
I’m pretty grateful for that.
So if you’re heading to The Great Frederick Fair next week, come find us. Bring the family, grab some Fair food, check out the animals and exhibits, enjoy the rides — and come hear The Catoctin Cowboys play some country music.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces.
And maybe remembering a few of the old ones, too.
The Great Frederick Fair has been part of my story for a long time. I’m proud to be able to keep coming back.
— Mike
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