Pickler to perform at rodeo

Published 12:03 am Thursday, January 5, 2012

Kellie Pickler will headline the Saturday night show at the March Rattlesnake Rodeo. | Courtesy photo

Country music’s “Small Town Girl” will hit the stages of the largest event in Opp, as she headlines the Saturday night show at the Rattlesnake Rodeo, Opp Mayor H.D. Edgar confirmed Wednesday.

“I got the call late (Tuesday) night,” he said. “Kellie Pickler accepted our offer to come to the rodeo.”

Pickler, who gained fame from the fifth season of the Fox reality show American Idol, has signed to 19 recordings and a recording contract with BNA records.

Her debut album, “Small Town Girl” has sold more than 800,000 copies.

Pickler will release her third album “100 Proof” at the end of the month.

The album features her single “Tough,” which is based on her relationship with her father.

Edgar said rodeo officials are “excited” about Pickler coming to the two-day event.

“Well, we’re excited to have her coming to Opp in concert,” he said. “She’s a really popular young person that puts on a great show. We’re tickled, and we think people around here will enjoy her.”

Two months ago, Edgar announced that country music singer Travis Tritt will headline the Friday night show.

He is famous for songs such as “Help Me Hold On,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody,” “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” and “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.”

“We know if we can get the girls to come, the guys will, too,” he said.

Admission is $30 for the two-day event or $20 per day, which will include the Tritt concert and snake show on Friday and local entertainment, snake show, greasy pole climb, buck dancing contest and the Pickler contest on Saturday. Advanced tickets will be available in the coming weeks.

Gates will open at 3 p.m. on Fri., March 30, and 8 a.m. on Sat., March 31.