SUMMIT STATION - Although Homecoming Night on Saturday marked the last day for this year's Schuylkill County Fair, it went out with some exciting entertainment as the high-energy performance group Vocal Trash and the 2012 Schuylkill County Idol winners took the stage.
"These guys are phenomenal," said fair President Paul T. Kennedy as he watched Vocal Trash perform Saturday. "They're different."
Based out of Dallas, Texas, Vocal Trash performances consist of singing, dancing and the use of homemade instruments from recyclables.
"We play industrial instruments," said Steve Linder, who runs the group with his partner, Kelsey Rae.
Linder said the goal of the group is to promote creativity and recycling awareness all through entertainment.
"It's all for fun," Linder said. "It's just pure entertainment and it's family friendly. Our appeal is very broad and that's hard to do in this day and age. It's not easy to be cool for the kids while not offending grandpa, but I think we found that balance."
Since being formed in 2001, the band has performed across the nation, including Madison Square Garden and numerous state fairs. Linder said the group has been touring up and down the East Coast all summer. When Linder asked the audience to see who had the longest drive to see their performance tonight, several people in the crowd drove several hours just to watch them Saturday night.
For more information about the group, visit www.vocaltrash.net or find them on Facebook.
Although the Schuylkill County Idol winner Maura Gownley, 16, of Ashland, and Junior Idol winner Reiley Lonergan, 13, of Minersville, had yet to take the stage about 7 p.m., Kennedy was confident they would also put on great performances as well.
"It's always a pleasure to have them here with us," Kennedy said.
Homecoming Night at the fair was sponsored by Kreitzer Sanitation, Orwigsburg. This was the first time the fair has partnered with Kreitzer, Kennedy said.
"They've been unbelievable to work with," Kennedy said.
Kennedy said the fair had a nice crowd last night for Country Night that featured the 4-H/FFA Master Livestock Showman Contest and musical performances by up-and-coming country star Jason Michael Carroll.
While attendance numbers were not yet available Saturday evening, Kennedy said it was another successful year for the fair and they are already planning for next year.
"We have a great team within the fair committee with fantastic ideas and we are already planning for next year." Kennedy said. "We got a lot of comments and feedback from a lot of people this year. It's important to continue to have a fresh product and we are excited to bring in new ideas every year."