Chris Isaak, Wynonna, Clint Black Close Out The Puyallup

The Puyallup Fair comes to a close this weekend, but while the flower displays may be wilting and some of the prize livestock has returned to home pastures, the entertainment lineup continues to sizzle.

Some of the best grandstand attractions of the whole fair play this weekend, with heartthrob singer-songwriter Chris Isaak tonight, country belter Wynonna in two shows tomorrow, and her sometime singing partner Clint Black closing out the Puyallup on Sunday.

Isaak shot to stardom two years ago with the hit "Wicked Game," a smoldering love song in which his voice purrs and soars. Sales were helped considerably when, after the song started to take off, he reshot the video, with the new clip featuring steamy swimsuit scenes of Isaak entwined with a leggy model. The handsome singer, who looks like a combination of James Dean and Kevin Costner, became a instant sex symbol, a notion he has a lot of fun with in his stage shows.

The video was so popular, Isaak received offers to appear on the big screen. He had cameos in "Married to the Mob," "Silence of the Lambs" and "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me," and stars in the upcoming "Little Buddha," the eagerly-awaited latest from Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci, of "The Last Emperor" and "The Conformist" fame.

Isaak's film career is perking right along, but his real passion is for the music. He jokes around a lot on stage, but the mood changes when he starts singing, because many of his songs are moving, heartfelt, finely crafted songs about searching for, and finding, love. He also writes lighthearted songs and even some rockers, which enliven his performances.

Opening for Isaak, at 7:30 tonight, are the Jayhawks, the tight, rocking Minneapolis band that combines elements of country and blues.

Wynonna is of course, the daughter in the mother-daughter team the Judds, probably the most popular country duo of all time. As country fans know, mother Naomi had to quit the business almost two years ago because of illness, and since then Wynonna has become a major star in her own right.

Since going solo, Wynonna (she has dropped the Judd) has enjoyed great success. Both her solo albums have hit the top of the charts and she has had a number of strong country hits, including the current "Only Love."

Opening her shows at 2 and 7:30 p.m. tomorrow is Mark Collie, the promising young country singer with a rockabilly-influenced style. He's had two recent hits in a row, "Shame Shame Shame Shame" and "Something's Gonna Change Her Mind."

Clint Black and Wynonna had a hit duet with "A Bad Goodbye," and it is one of the nominees for vocal event of the year at the CMA Awards, which will be be broadcast Wednesday on CBS (Wynonna is also up for female vocalist of the year).

Black is the likable young singer who exploded onto the country scene four years ago with his first single, "A Better Man," a bittersweet ballad that shot to No. 1 on the country charts. Other hits soon followed - "Killin' Time," "Nobody's Home," "Walking Away" and the current "No Time to Kill" - and Black has become one of the most popular stars in country.

With a slight twang in his voice, and the ability to express a variety of moods, Black is a satisfying entertainer who puts on a lighthearted, varied show.

Opening the show at 7 p.m. Sunday is Michael Johnson, one of the new breed of country stars who does not wear a cowboy hat or affect an accent.

Concert tickets, which range from $17 to $23, include fair admission if purchased a day in advance.

While you're there, be sure to take part in some of the fair's traditions - eat a scone, onionburger and/or Krusty Pup; ride the rollercoaster (before eating); listen to the Ginsu knives pitchmen; lose your kids (just kidding).

The fair's PRCA Rodeo has its last roundup at 7 tonight in the new W.H. Paulhamus Arena. Tickets $5.

The fair gates are open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with barns opening at 8 a.m. and exhibit buildings at 9 a.m. tomorrow and 10 a.m. Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children 12 to 18, $3 for children 6 to 11 (children under 6 are free) and, today only, $4 for seniors.