Thousands of country music fans came to the Bell County Fair on Friday night to see and hear award winning country singer, Jamey Johnson. East Tennessee native Chris Hennessy opened the show with Hank Williams, Lynard Skynard and Willie Nelson covers, as well as several of his original songs. The crowd joined with Hennessy word for word as he sang the classics “County Boys Can Survive,” “Curtis Low” and “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys.” Bell County Judge Executive Albey Brock attended the event. Brock thanked the crowd for coming to the event and reminded everyone how close they had been to losing the fair. “Thank you for coming out,” said Brock. “We about lost this fair … if you see a member of the fair board tonight, thank them.” Headliner Jamey Johnson arrived late to the event. His bus was stuck in traffic as cars turned in to the fairgrounds to see the country star. Johnson took the stage around 8:30 p.m., greeted by the thousands of screaming fans who had been anticipating his arrival. Some fans had been waiting since the gates opened at 5 p.m. Johnson was worth the wait — as the crowd cheered throughout the night. He sang song after song, not spending time for small talk between hits. He continued for hours before leaving the stage well after dark. Reach Reina P. Cunningham at 606-248-1010, ext. 205, rpcunningham@civitasmedia.com.