Journal staff

The Central States Fair announced two of the headliners who will perform at this year's fair.

Joe Nichols will return to Rapid City on Sunday, Aug. 17. Jason Aldean will play Wednesday, Aug. 20.

A near-sellout crowd was disappointed with a rain-out last year, according to a news release. Although Nichols performed in the Coors tent to an intimate group that evening, he felt bad for the many fans who went home disappointed with the rainout, he said in the news release.

"It was my hope last year that I would return to Rapid City in 2008 to perform," Nichols said. "Plans have been under way, and I'm very pleased that scheduling worked out and the Central States Fair invited me back."

"It's going to be quite a show," Central States Fair general manager Ron Jeffries said. "Joe comes with a dedicated fan base, and as an entertainer, he doesn't like to disappoint."

Nichols has a string of No. 1 hits including "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" and "Brokenheartsville."

Aldean was voted Top New Male Vocalist of the year by the Academy of Country Music, with hits including "Hicktown," "Why" and "Johnny Cash."

"Jason Aldean's fame is rising quickly," Jeffries said. "I wouldn't be surprised if more singles topped the charts between now and August."

Opening for Aldean is Road Hammers. Their mix of country, southern rock and blues has given them 10 No. 1 hits on the Canadian charts, and they are currently debuting in the U.S. with their single "I Don't Know When to Quit."

The 2008 Central States Fair will run Aug. 15-24.

All grandstand tickets will go on sale in early July.