The Opry returns to the Opera House on Saturday, February 9 for an evening of old-time country music, dancing and fun. Local musician and builder, Noel Arrington, has pulled together this year's line-up of musicians and weekly practices are well underway at Mark and Bonnie Stover's home in Boothbay. For those who enjoyed last year's sold out Old-Time Opry, Arrington promises "an even better show this year, although perhaps not quite as long." The 2007 show dazzled the audience for 4½ hours of great country music.

Musicians on stage include Mark Stover, Arthur Webster, Paul D'Allessio, Dick Spofford and his daughter, Emily, Gabe Tonon, the Arsenault clan, Jimmy Hanna, Chris & Liz Lannin, Tim Sprague, Bobby & Leon Blackman, Joe Norton, PJ Cousins and Pam Jenkins, Linda Clark, Sally Carroll, Walter Kreppein, Chip Schwehm and others. The Silver Fox Country Dancers will once again bring some fast stepping dance to the corral according to Arrington.

Without sponsors many Opera House shows would never get to the stage. The sponsors of the Old- Time Opry include Boothbay Harbor Framers, Good 'N You Fuel & Service, Don Sewall Auto Parts, and Nat Wilson, Sailmaker. Sponsors receive reserved seats for the evening and all other ticket holders are general admission.

For ticket holders the upstairs bar will open at 6:30 on the evening of the show. Doors for seating downstairs open at 7 and the music starts at 7:30 with emcee Noel Arrington starting off the program. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 on the day of the show, if available. Tickets for children under 14 are $5 in advance; there is no discount for children at the door on the night of the show. Since last year's Opry was a sell-out, all are urged to buy their tickets early this year.

Tickets are available at the Opera House box office, Monday-Friday between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or by calling the box office at 633-5159. Tickets are also available online at boothbayoperahouse.com. A limited number of tickets are available at Mama D's in Boothbay Harbor.