LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Bringing a nationally recognized artist to the Allen County Fair stage requires far more than a performance on concert night. Fair officials say months of planning and coordination go into every show long before the first note is played.
Members of the Lima Rotary Club learned Monday about the behind-the-scenes work involved in producing concerts at the Allen County Fair. From signing contracts and selling tickets to coordinating security, catering and logistics, organizers say every detail must be in place before an artist takes the stage.
Despite the extensive planning, Allen County Fair Stage Manager Charlie Weidel said one group is essential to making every performance a success.
"The life's blood of any show is the stagehand. Without the stagehand, you don't really have a show. They show up, they get no recognition, but all the glory goes to the band and they don't care. They show up every time we have the shows."
Venue Manager Nick Ebbing said one of the most rewarding parts of his job is watching artists grow throughout their careers after performing at the fair.
"So what I like to see the progression of an artist coming up, that you book them when they're just in a minivan, up to a sprinter, up to a prevo, you know, buses and a crew. So I'd really like to see that. It means a lot that you've worked with them when they're just starting out and then when they make it big."
This year's Allen County Fair concert will feature country artist Koe Wetzel on Saturday, Aug. 22. Tickets are available through the Allen County Fairgrounds website, while stage-front standing-room-only tickets have already sold out.
