The first major act of the 2019 Colorado State Fair entertainment lineup has been announced, as well as a new event promoting the Pueblo chile.

Country music stalwart Aaron Watson will perform Aug. 23 in the Budweiser Arena following professional rodeo action.

As part of his Red Bandana tour, Watson is expected to showcase his album of the same name, which is slated for release in June.

Active in the neotraditional scene since 1999, Watson has released 14 albums — the most notable being 2015's "The Underdog," which reached the top of the charts — and 13 singles, with the high-energy "Outta Style" from 2017 a top 25 hit.

In addition to Watson, there are still two country acts to be named, as well as a pair of Spanish-language artists who will perform as part of Fiesta Day. Fairgoers also can look forward to a classic rock act, a big name in the Southern Rock genre and a current hard-rocking group.

As in year's past, tribute acts — performers who mimic in sound and appearance famous rock and pop groups — will be a part of the free entertainment in the American Furniture Warehouse Amphitheater.

The lineup includes Strange Parade, a Denver-based Doors tribute (Aug. 29); Calimba (Earth, Wind and Fire) on Aug. 30; Walk This Way (Aerosmith) on Aug. 31; and, for the third year, Los Chicos del 512 (Selena) on Sept. 2.

Wayne DeHerrera, who books the tribute acts for the fair, said the performances have been well-embraced by spectators.

"They're very popular and have really picked up the amphitheater traffic," DeHerrera said.

In line with the fair's mission to promote agriculture and animal exhibition, an address from Temple Grandin — noted professor of animal science, consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior and autism spokesperson — is set for Aug. 25.

Another first-time event, slated to take place Aug. 31, on Pueblo Chile Day, will be near and dear to the hearts of slopper fans.

Plans call for a sanctioned World Slopper Eating Championship, similar to the renowned Coney Island hot dog competition, to test the appetites of participants. More details will be released as the event takes shape.

Tickets for the Watson show, as well as the other to-be-named fair acts, go on sale June 7.

jpompia@chieftain.com

Twitter: @jpompia