The first annual International Country Music Fest will be held Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 25-26 at the Chicken House Opry.

Feature stars include Sherwin and Pam Linton, John Rex Reeves, Red Johnson, The Harper Family, Terry Smith, Punjo Reed, Lucy Jackson, James Marvell, Dick Moebakken, Rich Bellert, Lefty Schrage, Ike Thurn, Junior Fulks, Dar May, Russ Guyer, James Lieder, Rooster Red Beeker and others.

The event is to run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, on Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 25-26. Admission is $20 per person, per day or both days for $30. Food and beverages (no alcohol) will be available at the concession stand throughout the day.

The Country Music Fest will be conducted at the Chicken House Opry barn, 8049 N. Bentsen Palm Dr., northwest of Mission.

"It is the first of a much needed country music festival in South Texas," said Punjo Reed, director of the two-day event. "Real country music has been forgotten by Nashville music executives, going in favor of the all-mighty-dollar and making all present day artists sound the same.”

The CHO is located six and three-fourths miles north Bentsen Palm Road. This year the CHO has a bus that will pick up those who prefer not to drive at Camping World in Mission, located on the corner of Expressway 83 and Bryan Road. Pickups start at 8:15 and are hourly afterwards.

Admission is $20 per day or $30 for both days.  Food and soft drinks are available. For information call (479) 970-5204.