SHORT TAKES : Country Music Stars Lure Fans

Country music giants Randy Travis, Loretta Lynn and Clint Black helped lure about 20,000 people eager for a chance to rub elbows with stars to the 19th annual International Country Music Fan Fair.

Travis attracted one of the largest crowds Tuesday afternoon, with people lined up around a building to take a picture with the singing star, get an autograph or simply shake hands.

Cameras clicked furiously and the crowd oohed and aahed when a youngster in full cowboy regalia was lifted onto a counter next to Black.

Zachary Bingham will be 3 this month and is a big country music fan already, says his mother, Sonja Bingham.

“His favorite song is (Black’s) ‘Nobody’s Home’ and he puts on his boots and his hat along with the words,” Bingham said.

Charley Pride also was a hit at the celebrity show-off event at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.

Beside star contact, the weeklong fair’s $70 registration fee lets fans see 40 hours of concerts, visit the Opryland USA show park and tour the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.