Throngs of country music fans gathered Tuesday night at the Stanislaus County Fair to enjoy the sweet croonings of Rodney Atkins.
As Atkins sauntered out for his adoring fans to greet him, screams, hoots, and hollers could be heard clear across the fairgrounds, and the country boy soaked up the glory.
After stopping to pose for photos at the front edge of the stage, the singer jumped right into song without a spoken word. Holding some twangy notes on the end of fan favorites it was clear this cowboy was here for at least one reason: to melt the hearts of his female fans.
And melt he did, as women of all ages whooped and cheered as Atkins hammed it up for cameras. This was no shy country boy. Crowds spilled out far into the lane beyond the Bud Light Variety Free Stage, as people stopped to enjoy the down-home music.
Fans mouthed along to lyrics like, “He'll go off and take a long walk. When he needs some time to think. Might even let you drive his truck when he's had too much to drink” taking Atkin’s advice on how to “Tell a Country Boy.”
But an all-around fan favorite seemed to come when Atkins performed “Take A Back Road,” a song that reminds listeners to “Get lost and get right” with their souls when the hustle and bustle of modern day becomes all too much.
Aside from the flirting and guitar pick-throwing, Atkins also had a more touching message for Stanislaus County Fair-goers.
He provided “a prayer, a shoutout, whatever you wanna call it to the men and women serving this country at home and abroad tonight,” saying thank you, God bless you, and we love you.
“And to you and your families God bless you,” Atkins said to crowd members, before once again riling them up for more of a country good time.
“You guys are unbelievable! Perfect!”
