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By JEANNE RICHARDSON
Staff Writer

A full lineup of well-known country artists should bring in a record number of spectators and campers to the Winfield Country Roundup this year, say the Roundup organizers.

"Last year was above and beyond anything we expected," said C.J. Cross, public relations person for the Roundup. "It's a great community event, and the people of Winfield have really embraced it."

The Winfield Fairground event will be the kick off for the summer season, Cross said, starting on Wednesday through Saturday, May 30-June 2. Country music will be performed around the clock on all four days except between the hours of 4 a.m. and noon. Between the Rubbermaid main stage, the Cathouse stage in the Pecan Grove and the Rubbermaid Idol, there should be something for everyone.

Wednesday starts the weekend with Rick Monroe, whose third release, "Against the Grain," is a blend of country and rock. It spawned two singles, "I Remember the Music," and a remake of the Allman Brothers' classic "Midnight Rider."

Jimmie VanZant, a singer of Southern Rock like his cousin Ronnie VanZant, of Lynyrd Skynyrd, has his own band that plays similar music. He will play Wednesday.

On Thursday, Winfield's Chase Foster will perform. Foster is a 16-year-old Western Swing-inspired musician, vocalist, performer and songwriter. He has played with other artists such as Charlie Daniels, Johnny Gimble, the former Bob Wills Texas Playboys, Riders in the Sky and Asleep at the Wheel.

Kevin Fowler, a Texas singer who will perform Thursday, has seen his fan base grow since his debut album, "Beer, Bait, and Ammo," came out. His hit single is "What I Wouldn't Give for Your Love."

Also on Thursday will be the LoCash Cowboys, a group that was at the Roundup last year. Their high energy will keep the crowd going.

Terri Clark, Thursday's headliner, has been in country music more than 10 years. Clark, a Canadian, has hits such as "Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me" and "Girls Lie, Too." She has won three Canadian Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year awards.

Friday, June 1, will feature Taylor Swift, Heartland, Ronnie Milsap and Joe Nichols.

Swift, a young newcomer to the music scene, has been touring with George Strait and has recorded a single with Tim McGraw.

Heartland is a dynamic group of country musicians who combine the sounds of rock and country from today and yesterday.

Well-known in country music, Milsap, from North Carolina, has been producing hits for many years. They include "Smoky Mountain Rain" and "Daydreams about Night Things." He latest hit single is "You Don't Know My Love."

Joe Nichols rounds out Friday night's lineup. The Arkansas artist is well-known for hits like "Brokenheartsville," "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" and "Size Matters (Someday)."

Chris Young, Emerson Drive, Darryl Worley and Blake Shelton will headline the program on the last day, Saturday, June 2.

Chris Young's latest hit is "Drinkin' Me Lonely." Emerson Drive, a group out of Canada, has a current hit, "Fall into Me." Darryl Worley comes to us from Tennessee with hits such as "Have you Forgotten?" and "I Miss My Friend."

Blake Shelton from Ada, Okra., has well-known songs like "Don't Make Me," "Some Beach" and "Ol' Red."

Tickets for the whole weekend can be purchased ahead of time for a reduced price of $75 until Jan. 31. After that, the cost is $90, and they are $110 at the gate. A one-day ticket will be $50 at the gate.

Tickets are available at O'Reilly's, Shepler's, Papa John's, Ark City Dental and at the Country Roundup office in Winfield.

Parking will be $5 a day or $15 for the whole weekend. Camping costs are $40 for primitive, $75 with electric and $150 for reserved. If a cooler is brought in, there will be a $10 charge, and only 3.2 beer is allowed in the Roundup area.

Camp Survivor, a successful contest last year, will enable campers to decorate their campsites any way they like, incorporating one of the Roundup sponsors. Prizes are awarded for the winners.

The Winfield Country Roundup continues to grow. The organizers recognize that it is a benefit to the community and to the economic development of the area. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or with questions about the event, can call the office at 877-221-2114, or visit them online at www.winfieldcountryroundup.com.