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KENTON – the entertainment line-up for this year’s Gene Autry Days includes the vocal talents of four nationally-known western performers. the dates are June 25 and 26 at the Hardin County Fairgrounds Community Building in Kenton. Hours for the event are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Filled with continuous entertainment, the 2011 Gene Autry Days will be fun for the entire family. Now in its 18th year, Gene Autry Days commemorates the western star’s 1938 visit to Kenton. at the time, the Kenton Hardware Company was producing the Autry Repeating Cap Gun, which sold over six million guns worldwide. Paul Belanger, “the Oklahoma Yodelin’ Cowboy”, is originally from Gene Autry, Oklahoma, and was the 1996 Country Music Association of America’s Songwriter of the Year. In 1997, the same Association named him Male Entertainer of the Year plus he won Album of the Year and Cassette of the Year for his recording “A Tribute to Gene Autry”. In 2009, Belanger was a finalist on NBC-TV’s “America’s got Talent”. John Buttram is the Emcee for Gene Autry Days. Considered a celebrity sound-a-like, Buttram mimics the unique voice of his uncle Pat Buttram, Gene Autry’s television sidekick and mr. Haney on “Green Acres”. as you sit back and listen to Buttram’s stories and humor, you’ll hear his uncle’s voice which was featured in many Disney cartoon movies. Today, Buttram performs around the country at various western festivals and events. Jeanne Cahill and Jerome Campbell, known as the western musical duo Call of the West, have performed together since 1989. Call of the West’s entertainment style features western swing favorites, plus some of their own original music. both were nominated for the 2008 WMA Duo/Group of the Year, and their own recording projects include two duo albums, a solo original music album by Jeanne, plus a gospel album and solo thumb picking album by Jerome. Les Gilliam, designated as the official “Oklahoma Balladeer” or ballad singer by the Oklahoma State Legislature, Gilliam developed his interest in western music at an early age. Over the years, Gilliam has recorded fourteen albums and two videos. In 2005, Gilliam received the most prestigious award in western music by receiving the coveted “Wrangler Award” from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Today, Gilliam performs over 100 shows a year. Gene Autry Days also features over 40 tables of cap guns, old toys and collectibles, plus western Look-a-Likes and a “Cowboy” church service.  the Ohio State Championship fast Draw Match will be back again and the Hardin County Joy Riders 4-H Club will also be hosting an event at the Hardin County Fairgrounds that same weekend, and homemade food as well as Amish-made pie will be available. Admission to Gene Autry Days is $5 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free. There is no charge for parking.   for more information about Gene Autry Days, contact the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance at 419-673-4131 or visit www.hardinohio.org.  Read more...