POCATELLO — New at this year’s POW*MIA Awareness Rally is an expanded mud racing event on Saturday, July 28, and the addition of some country music on Friday, July 27, in the form of artist Andy Griggs, an official said Wednesday.

    “He’s a pretty well-known country music star,” said Dave Breshears, who along with his wife, Mary Breshears, run public relations and marketing for the POW*MIA Awareness Rally Corp.

    Griggs has released four albums that combined for 13 singles that ranked on the Billboard country charts, including two that peaked at No. 2. He also charted with the song “Grow Young With You,” from the movie “Where the Heart Is.”

    It’s the kind of entertainment Breshears says organizers of the annual rally have been getting requests for from those who attend. But bringing in such a high-profile artist will affect the price of the event.

    “In the past we have always charged $15 for the whole three days,” he said. “This year, we had to ask for an extra $10 to help covewr the cost of the concert Friday night.”

    So, a ticket that includes the concert will now cost $25 per person, but it also includes entry to the entirety of the three-day event, which kicks off on July 27 at 9 a.m. Breshears said the event starts with the raising of what is the “world’s largest POW*MIA flag.”

    “After that, the day’s entertainment starts,” he said.

    The event is hosted at the Bannock County Fairgrounds where there will be plenty to keep folks busy between the main shows. There will be a smaller stage that will feature various talent.

    Official opening ceremonies happen at 6 p.m. on Friday and then Griggs will take the stage at 7 p.m. Following Griggs will be local band As-Is.

    Registering for the competitive events, including Saturday’s motorcycle rodeo and the Mud Run, will start at noon on July 27. The motorcycle rodeo has been a staple event at the POW*MIA Awareness Rally each year, but last year the group added a Mud Drag, a drag races of sorts conducted on a muddy track.

    This year, that mud run has been greatly expanded.

    “We had a great response to it last year,” Breshears said. “We barely had enough seats for everyone. This year, we’re going to have 75 to 100 vehicles, everything from your standard pickups to pro-modifications that run on alcohol.”

    After the Mud Drag is completed, another band, The Charlie Brechtel Band, will take the stage.

    For those willing to skip the concerts, cost is still $15 for the three-day event for adults, $10 for children 6 to 12 years old, and free to children 5 years and under. A family rate is available for $40.    For more information on the 12th annual POW*MIA Awareness Rally, go to their website at www.powmiarodeo.org.

    Tickets are available at the website or at the offices of the Greater Pocatello Chamber of Commerce, located at 324 S. Main St.