With their hands in the air, waving at the crowd, the gospel/country band, the Oak Ridge Boys returned to the Freeborn County Fair, the fourth time they’ve played the grandstands since 1997.

&uot;It feels like we’re home,&uot; said Joe Bonsall, a native Philadelphian.

Clad in a sequined jacket Bonsall twirled like a disco ball throughout the show, and wasn’t alone in his display of energy in their first set which included &uot;American Made&uot; and &uot;This Crazy Love.&uot;

When Willie Lee Gordon walked out into the crowd he was greeted by fans wanting to shake his hands, take his picture and even give him a hugs. One middle-aged woman gave him what looked like a box of pastries. Throughout the show the band made contact with crowd, constantly pointing at audience members, and giving affirming glances.

They even signed a 1970’s album on stage, that a fan had given them.

&uot;When I look at that picture,&uot; Bonsall said pointing a much younger version of himself. &uot;I say ‘isn’t nice to still be around?’&uot;

One member shouted that he hopes they’re around for another fifty years.

But community appreciation came to a head when they received a key to the city from Albert Lea’s Mayor. Bonsall thanked her and said &uot;Now that we have this who knows what we might accomplish.&uot;

The fans that lined up 50 yards outside of the grandstands, and then packed them twice in one night. In the first set, the crowd rarely stood, and did little more than clap their hands and with a few in the front and scattered fans throughout singing along.

Albert Lea was one of many stops on the Red, White and Blublocker tour. And although they didn’t mention the sunglasses, they mentioned America and the crowd went wild. The Oakridge Boys sang a song about not letting colors run and held up an American flag. Then nearly everyone stood and continued standing as they played &uot;Elvira.&uot;

Dave Bang, a fan of twenty-five years, said that he couldn’t wait for the second half when he expected Bonsall’s on-stage antics to get even more wild. He said he appreciated the crowd interaction and is already looking for to their Christmas show in Rochester in December.

(Contact Tim Sturrock at tim.sturrock@albertleatribune.com or 379-3438.)