After more than a year off due to COVID-19, Virginia’s Li’l Ole Opry (Donk’s Theater) will open its 46th season of country music shows Saturday with an “All Star Opry” featuring the house band, Shades of Country, and all of the Opry singers.

For the first time, the group will perform outside at the Abingdon Ruritan Club Fairgrounds at 8784 Guinea Road, Hayes. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7. Concessions will be provided by the club; with no outside food or drink allowed.

Ticket prices for this show are $15 for all adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under and can be purchased in advance at the Mathews Visitor Center and Marketplace Antiques on Route 17 in Hayes. Tickets are also available at the gate on show night and only cash/checks are accepted.

Concert-goers are asked to bring a chair or blanket for this outdoor event. In the event of rain, ticket holders should call 804-725-7760 or email vaopry@gmail.com for up-to-date information on cancellations. If canceled, tickets will be good for the next Opry show. No refunds will be given.

This upcoming show will feature band members and performers of the Opry, including Sam Hogge, Ralph Motley, Lynda and Richard Smith, William Earl Sadler, Tracy Hill, LeighAnn Abbott, A.J. McKeen, Jeff Long, Susan Ripley, David Shuber and Mike Gregg on the fiddle. The newest member of the Smith family to join the fun is Harmony Smith, 11, who will also be performing that evening.

After a year hiatus, excitement is high as the band and performers start this season of shows.

“We have waited a long time to get back to our love of performing and so appreciate this opportunity that the Abingdon Ruritan Club has given us,” Opry performer and president Lynda Smith said. “We can’t wait to see our longtime friends again and play some music.”

The Fairgrounds offer plenty of space for your group to distance from others. You are also asked to wear a mask at the gate entrance and concession stand.