The World Ag Expo is the largest agriculture equipment show in the world and organizers are hoping that fact will inspire famous country musicians to put on an amazing show and help spread the word about the importance of supporting farmers and ranchers.
Construction crews are working fast to put up the World Ag Expo's newest venue-an entertainment pavilion that seats 5,000 people.
"They wanted to use the foreground as World Ag Expo the biggest and best place to be in agriculture for three days as a place to host an entertainment event that will do more than entertain."
Tulare Agri-center's Beth Sequeira hopes the new concert series inspires people to learn more about the importance of the local ag industry.
The organization has brought some big names to spread their message.
CMA country male artist of the year Blake Shelton is performing on the ag show's opening night. David Nail and Stealing Angels the next night.
Some people are criticizing the upcoming concerts, saying the ag show should focus on equipment, not entertainment. But organizers believe the performances will benefit everyone.
"I think it's a great opportunity for the exhibitors to have something to do after hours to do too to take some of their best clients some of the farmers and ranchers they deal with over the phone but not in person and take them to the concerts for something exciting and fun and different," Sequeira said.
The concert series is also giving new opportunities for up and coming local country band Chapparal.
"The doors open at 4 we go on at 4:30 and the big concert kicks off at 6 so we're going to be right there it's going to be great it's really exciting."
Engaged couple Martina Otterbeck and Joseph Costa are two of Chapparal's lead singers. The band was invited to open for the headlining acts.
"What they're doing here is absolutely amazing. I think bringing country music into the word of agriculture is going to be something phenomenal," Otterbeck said.
Proceeds from the concert series will not be directly benefit the Tulare Agri-Center. In fact, all money from ticket sales are going to local agriculture charities, student scholarships and towards the new College Of the Sequoias Agriculture Center under construction here in Tulare.
The World Ag Expo kicks off next Tuesday at 8 a.m.
