ROCKINGHAM — Organizers of ThunderFest late Wednesday announced a last-minute entertainment change.
Singer-songwriter Edwin McCain will now take the stage at Harrington Square in downtown Rockingham.
McCain, from South Carolina, is best known for his 1998 ballad “I’ll Be” from his “Misguided Roses” album, which hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
McCain made the local news in 2020 when he recorded a Cameo video honoring late Richmond County first responder Don Paul.
The Marshall Tucker Band was originally scheduled to play Thursday evening.
“At this time, and out of the utmost respect for The Marshall Tucker Band, we are unable to provide additional details regarding the change in our previously announced headlining act for ThunderFest 2025,” reads a press release issued by Visit Richmond County.
ThunderFest, organized by the city of Rockingham and the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, is a community event at Harrington Square to welcome back NASCAR to Rockingham Speedway.
Several drivers in NASCAR’s Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series, as well as the ARCA Menards Series East, will be signing autographs during the event. Former driver Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace, hosts of the Herm and Shrader podcast, will also be on site.
ThunderFest, which runs from 4-9 p.m. is set to feature numerous racing related booths and displays, more than a dozen food trucks, a Kids Zone and a beer garden.
McCain is scheduled to take the stage at 7 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required.
A FAQ graphic posted Wednesday indicates that chairs will not be permitted “to ensure our first responders have access in the case of an emergency.”
The roads around the square were closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday. Parking is available along the downtown streets and in multiple public parking lots.
