Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The 250th edition of The York Fair begins Friday night.

And that also means the start of 10 days of free country concerts, courtesy of WGTY Great Country Radio.

Seriously, folks, this is one of the best deals at the fair. For the price of fair admission, you get to see some of the rising acts in country music.

And most of the singers hang around after the show to meet fans and sign autographs.

The fun begins with a splash Friday night when Kelsea Ballerina takes the stage.

That would be the same Kelsea Ballerina who has two songs among the Top 40 on iTunes’ country singles chart.

That would be the same Kelsea Ballerina who just nabbed a pair of CMA nominations — best new artist and best female vocalist.

What’s more, Kelsea will also be shooting footage for the official video for her single “Dibs” during her York Fair performance. Head here for details.

The week-plus of free county shows ends Sunday, Sept. 20, when Season 10 American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina takes the stage.

This will mark the fourth times she’s performed in York, and her third appearance at the York Fair. This time, she’ll grace the Grandstand on closing night.

All the other shows will take place on the Great Country Radio Stage. The schedule for the week (show time is 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted) …

Friday, Sept. 11: Kelsea Ballerini

Saturday, Sept. 12: Cam Country (6 p.m.)

Sunday, Sept. 13: Colt Wilbur (3 p.m.)

Sunday, Sept. 13: Canaan Smith

Monday, Sept. 14: Chase Byrant

Tuesday, Sept. 15: Ashley Monroe

Wednesday, Sept. 16: Brothers Osborne

Thursday, Sept. 17: Mo Pitney

Friday, Sept. 18: Locash

Saturday, Sept. 19: Drake White (6 p.m.)

Sunday, Sept. 20: Chris Janson (3 p.m.)

Sunday, Sept. 20: Lauren Alaina (7 p.m.)