A ’90s country legend best known for hits like “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful” and “Queen of My Double Wide Trailer” will be the headlining musical act at the 2026 Central Iowa Fair in Marshalltown, according to a press release issued Wednesday.

Louisiana native Sammy Kershaw, 68, has recorded 19 albums over a career that has spanned nearly 35 years and includes a number one hit, “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful,” which was released back in 1993. After last year’s show featuring Darryl Worley and Mark Wills, 2026 will mark the second time in a row the CIF Board has booked a national country act for the headlining slot on Saturday night of the fair — this year, it falls on July 11.

Fair Board President Jodi Breniman told the T-R there was no hesitation about going bigger again this year and described last year’s experience as “wonderful.”

“We’re just trying to bring some new things to the community, trying to get the community out to the fair to support it and have a great time,” she said. “You know, going to the Iowa State Fair is great. We certainly encourage that, but it also costs. It costs you to get in the gate. It costs you to park, and it costs you to do everything. Here, you can come in for free parking, free admission, we’ve got all kinds of new food vendors, new activities coming in this year, and we want to continue on now having this concert to kind of wrap up and end our fair every year.”

Breniman thanked the area businesses and individuals that have already stepped up to sponsor the fair and added that there are still slots available to either donate or volunteer. She also credited the team at KFJB/KIX 101.1 for working with the fair board to book Kershaw.

The cost for a ticket is $30 per person, and attendees 10 and under are free. Iowa-based Sierra Griggs, the opener, will start at 6 p.m. on July 11 in the pit area followed by Kershaw at 7. Elsewhere at the fair, the Punching Pandas are slated to play under the big tent on Friday, July 10 beginning at 8 p.m.

This year’s theme is “Holly Jolly Fair” with a Christmas motif. To learn more, visit https://www.centraliowafairgrounds.com/.