By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — A local Christmas staple for a good cause is on Saturday, Dec. 17.

Country gospel singer Susie McEntire is returning to Warsaw for her ninth annual “A Country Christmas With Susie McEntire.” The concert starts at 7 p.m. at Lakeview Middle School, 848 E. Smith St., with doors opening at 6 p.m.

Susie McEntire

Once again, the event is free, but attendees are asked to bring new unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.

According to her website, McEntire, the younger sister of country artist Reba McEntire, has received “numerous awards and nominations from TNN, GMA and CCMA.” She also “has been named ‘Artist of the Year’ several times in the field of Positive Country Music.”

“It’s kind of become a tradition for us,” McEntire told InkFreeNews of why she and husband Mark Eaton are returning for the event.

She noted how they believe in Toys for Toys’ mission of helping children in need.

“We want people to have … time (out) from the Christmas hustle and bustle,” said McEntire of what she hoped attendees took away from the show.

The audience should be set to hear once again Christmas classics mixed in with country and gospel. Joining McEntire again will be singer Linda Davis with her husband, fellow musician Lang Scott.

Linda Davis

Davis is a Grammy Award-winner in both country and contemporary Christian music.

“We couldn’t say ‘Yes,’ fast enough,” said Davis of her and Scott being asked by McEntire and Eaton to perform again at what she deemed a “warm, family-style Christmas event.”

The concert is meant to reflect the message of Christmas, which is the “good news of our Lord and His birth,” said Davis.

She and concert organizer Mike Loher referred to the “intimate” setup of the show.

Loher mentioned it’s like “visiting in a living room.”

Davis also talked about the importance of collecting items for Toys for Toys. She referenced how she and Scott have several grandchildren and that kids getting items through Toys for Tots are “somebody’s grandchildren.”

Making her first appearance at “A Country Christmas” will be singer Jenifer Wrinkle.

She told InkFreeNews that she’s “looking forward” to the event.

Wrinkle has performed with several country artists, including Reba McEntire. Davis has as well, with Wrinkle noting that all three singers for Saturday’s concert share that “Reba bond.”

Jenifer Wrinkle

Just like the others as well, Wrinkle will be joined by her husband, Scott Thompson, on stage.

She added she’s “looking forward to hearing all the kids,” as elementary school kids will be part of the concert.

Those coming out for “A Country Christmas” should be able to hear a brass quintet before official performances start.

If people can’t make it out to Saturday’s event, they have another opportunity to hear Susie McEntire perform. She’s returning as in years past to Leesburg United Methodist Church, 111 W. Prairie St., for its 9 a.m. service on Sunday, Dec. 18. Eaton will speak then.

Susie McEntire also said she’s planning to host an upcoming Christian women’s conference in the area, with more information on that to come.