Leave it to Craig Campbell to throw a party for a good cause.
The Country singer hosted his 8th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge at Loser’s Bar & Grill in last Tuesday (June 7), providing the perfect way to kick off the first post-covid CMA Fest in nearly 3 years.
Celeb Secrets Country was able to hang out and enjoy all the fun with attendees and competitors including Jerrod Niemann, Chuck Wicks, Ryan Charles, Abby Anderson, Alexandra Kay, Holly Stocks, Drew Baldridge, Heath Sanders, Thomas Mac, Ian Munsick, Leo Brooks, Lucas Hoge, Ethan Payne and more.
“It never ceases to amaze me how many people come out and support this event,” Craig shared in a statement. “I have to give a huge thank you to all of my artist and celebrity friends who came out to play, and all of our wonderful sponsors, volunteers, and all of the amazing friends and family behind the scenes who make this happen.”
Photo Credit: Campbell Entertainment Group
Pairs of two teamed up all the down the parking lot to try their skill and luck at one of the South’s favorite backyard games! The event, which is inspired by Craig’s father who passed away with colorectal cancer, raised over $25,000 this year alone and a over $354,000 in total.
“My dad had colon cancer and was 36 years old when he died. So to have a platform, it’s been my mission to raise money and raise awareness specifically for colon cancer just because nobody should have to grow up without their dad. Colon cancer is very preventable so that’s why we do what we do.” Craig told Celeb Secrets Country reporter Mariah Crom on the red carpet.
This year, Andrew Millsaps, half of music duo Neon Union, and John Smyth took home the W. This win was extra special and hit close to home for Smyth, as he’s the caretaker of his sister Denise who was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC).
“I play a lot of corn hole, usually three to five tournaments per week,” Smyth told Campbell Entertainment Group. “When my sister, Denise was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, Fight CRC was the first place I went to find resources. There a saw a link for the Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge and just had to register. I’m used to winning cash prizes when I play, but winning with Andrew Millsaps was more rewarding than any amount of money because it was for my sister.”
Photo Credit: Campbell Entertainment Group
Fans can catch Craig on his headlining Craig Campbell Tour while local Tennessee fans can stop by his new coffee shop, restaurant and music venue Grindstone Cowboy in Eagleville. Recently opened by Campbell and his wife Mindy, customers can enjoy some fresh coffee, pastries, sandwiches, live music, and Craig’s exclusive C.C. Cold Beer on tap!
Aside from touring the nation and building a music venue, Campbell has been hard at work in the studio making new, original music. His recently released “By God” is a moving and emotional track that will get you in your ~feels~ when listening to it.
“‘By God’ was my co-writer’s idea and when he said it, I was like, ‘let’s write that’ because I say, ‘by God’ all the time. I knew exactly what he was going to say, how the song starts, how the song finishes, and all of that right away. We wrote it and I loved it and I knew I needed to record it and put it out.” Craig says of the song.
You can listen to “By God” below.
For more coverage and exclusive interviews from CMA Fest, click here.
